Which is an example of exigent circumstances justifying warrantless action?

• A. Hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect.
• B. Waiting for a warrant while a crime is in progress.
• C. A routine traffic stop without reason.
• D. A spurious anonymous tip alone.

Answer: (A)

Exigent circumstances allow police to act without a warrant when there is an immediate need to protect life, prevent imminent harm, or prevent the escape of a suspect or the destruction of evidence. Hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect fits perfectly because delaying to get a warrant could allow the suspect to escape or harm others, so immediate action is justified. The other scenarios don’t create that urgent, time-sensitive danger: waiting for a warrant while a crime is in progress undermines the urgency; a routine traffic stop without a valid reason isn’t an emergency; and an anonymous tip by itself isn’t reliable enough to justify warrantless action.