Which statement about warrants is accurate?

• A. Warrant authority is optional for peace officers
• B. Warrant is a form of written court authorization to take specific actions
• C. Warrants can be issued by private individuals in all cases
• D. Warrants do not require probable cause

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is what a warrant is and how it functions. A warrant is a formal, written court order that authorizes police to carry out a specific action, such as searching a particular place for named items or arresting a specific person. It is issued by a judge based on probable cause shown in an affidavit, and it must describe with particularity what is to be seized or who is to be arrested, and usually where and when the action may take place.

This description aligns with the statement that a warrant is a written court authorization to take specific actions. The other statements don’t fit because warrant authority is not optional for peace officers; warrants must be obtained in most cases (subject to certain exigent circumstances), private individuals generally cannot issue warrants, and warrants do require probable cause.