What does "exigent circumstances" refer to in law enforcement?

"Exigent circumstances" refers to situations that justify immediate action by law enforcement without the need for a warrant. This concept is rooted in the need to address urgent situations where waiting for a warrant could lead to the loss of evidence, the destruction of property, or a threat to public safety. For example, if police officers hear sounds of a struggle or a firearm being discharged from within a building, they may enter without a warrant to prevent harm and secure any evidence.

In contrast, situations requiring a warrant would not fit under exigent circumstances because they involve taking time to obtain a judicial order before acting. Routine police procedures typically do not involve exigent circumstances, as these are planned actions rather than immediate reactions to urgent situations. Lastly, situations with no risk of evidence destruction would not invoke the need for exigent circumstances since there would be no pressing reason to act immediately without a warrant.