Did the search warrant application establish probable cause for issuing the warrant?
A neutral and detached magistrate reviews a search warrant application and arrives at a probable cause determination in a common-sense and practical manner. Eggler , 372 N.W.2d at 15 (citing Illinois v. Gates , 462 U.S. 213, 238, 103 S. Ct. 2317, 2332 (1983)). The purpose of the affidavit supporting a warrant application is to provide information from which a magistrate may independently determine whether probable cause exists to issue a search warrant. Eggler , 372 N.W.2d at 15. Probable cause exists if an affidavit sets forth competent evidence sufficient to lead a reasonably prudent person to believe there is a basis for the search. State v. Bagley , 286 Minn. 180, 192, 175 N.W.2d 448, 456 (1970). Police officers may rely on training and experience to draw inferences in affidavits, but mere suspicion does not equal probable cause. State v. Richardson , 514 N.W.2d 573, 579 (Minn. App. 1994); State v. Skoog , 351 N.W.2d 380, 381 (Minn. App. 1984). Once an issuing court determines that
