MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is necessary before serving an arrest warrant?

1. Ensure the suspect's address is current

2. Verify the validity of the warrant

3. Communicate with department leadership

4. Confirm which agency issued the warrant

The correct answer is: Verify the validity of the warrant

Before serving an arrest warrant, it is critical to verify the validity of the warrant. This process involves confirming that the warrant has been properly issued by a judicial authority, has the required signatures, and outlines the specific charges against the suspect. Validating the warrant ensures that law enforcement officers have the legal authority to execute the arrest without potential legal repercussions. Ensuring the suspect's address is current, communicating with department leadership, and confirming which agency issued the warrant are important aspects of the overall operation, but they do not take precedence over verifying the legitimacy of the warrant itself. Serving a warrant without confirming its validity could lead to unlawful arrests, which may result in civil liability for the officers involved. Thus, validating the warrant is an essential and foundational step before any further actions are taken.