What must officers establish to obtain a search warrant?

• A. Strong suspicion based on hearsay
• B. Probable cause supported by affidavit
• C. Evidence gathered from informants only
• D. A court's prior approval

Answer: (B)

To obtain a search warrant, officers must establish probable cause supported by an affidavit. This means they must present sufficient evidence that suggests a reasonable belief that criminal activity is occurring or that evidence of a crime can be found in the specified location. The affidavit serves as a sworn statement detailing the facts and circumstances that lead them to believe that a search will yield evidence relevant to a crime. It is crucial that this evidence goes beyond mere suspicion; it needs to be concrete enough to convince a neutral judge or magistrate that issuing a warrant is justified.

In contrast, strong suspicion based on hearsay does not meet the legal threshold required for a warrant. Also, while evidence from informants can be part of the probable cause, relying solely on their information isn't enough; it must be corroborated or supported by additional evidence or details. Finally, a court's prior approval may be necessary for specific procedures, but it is not a blanket requirement for obtaining every search warrant. The emphasis is always on establishing probable cause backed by solid evidence.