What does an "arrest warrant" authorize law enforcement to do?

An arrest warrant specifically authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest a particular individual believed to have committed a crime. It is issued by a judge or magistrate based on a showing of probable cause, meaning there is sufficient evidence or reasonable grounds to believe that the person named in the warrant has engaged in criminal activity.

This distinguishes arrest warrants from other legal documents, such as search warrants, which permit law enforcement to search for evidence at a location, and does not extend to activities like conducting surveillance or interrogating witnesses. Each of these actions requires its own legal justification or separate warrants. The focused authority granted by an arrest warrant streamlines the apprehension process of individuals who are suspected criminals, ensuring that the rights of the accused are also respected under the law.