How Do Police Get Probable Cause for a Warrant? Do They Always Need a Warrant?
• Generally, to prove that a search is “reasonable,” the police must show that it is more likely than not that a crime has occurred, and that if a search is conducted it is likely that they will find evidence of the crime. This is called probable cause. • In some situations, the police must show probable cause to a judge who issues a warrant. In many special circumstances, however, the police may be able to conduct a search without a warrant.
