Arrest Warrant Procedures Quiz

Procedures for Obtaining and Executing Arrest Warrants

• The Cloud Gavel electronic warrant system is the preferred method for submitting non-juvenile warrant applications based on probable cause.
• All pertinent information concerning the suspect, including physical description, date of birth, social security number, last known address, and case number, should be recorded on the application.
• The electronic warrant application must be reviewed and notarized by a supervisor before being forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for approval.
• If probable cause is found, the electronic warrant is forwarded to a judge for approval and issuance.
• Once approved, the warrant is electronically forwarded to the Clerk of Court for issuance of a court case number and entry into the FCIC database.
• Officers must document in their offense report when an electronic warrant has been submitted for review and approval, and the issuance or denial of the warrant should be documented in a supplemental report.
• For juvenile complaint affidavits, the standard warrant application process should be followed based on probable cause.
• The original warrant application must be notarized or witnessed by a law enforcement officer, state attorney, or notary public and forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office through the Records Section for misdemeanors.
• Upon approval, the warrant is presented to a judge for issuance and delivered to the appropriate Clerk of Court and Warrants Section of the Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Department.
• A copy of the warrant is retained by the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
• When executing an arrest warrant, the officer must review the warrant with a supervisor prior to affecting the arrest and complete an arrest affidavit when the arrest is affected.
• The defendant will be transported to the St. Lucie County Jail, and if not served within 24 hours, attempts to serve the warrant will be documented in a supplemental report.