What is hot pursuit and how does it affect warrant requirements?

• A. The immediate pursuit of a fleeing suspect where entry or seizure is allowed without a warrant to prevent escape or harm
• B. Hot pursuit requires a warrant at all times
• C. Hot pursuit applies only to minor offenses
• D. In hot pursuit, officers must announce themselves before entry

Answer: (A)

Hot pursuit is the immediate, continuous pursuit of a fleeing suspect that justifies warrantless entry or seizure to prevent escape or harm. Because delaying to get a warrant could let the suspect escape or cause further danger, officers may move quickly into buildings or seize the suspect without a warrant when the pursuit is active. The warrant requirement is bypassed for the duration of that urgent pursuit, but once the pursuit ends or the suspect is secured, normal warrant rules apply unless another exception applies. Announcing oneself before entry is not a blanket requirement in hot pursuit; there are times when announcing could jeopardize safety or the pursuit, so entry can occur without announcing if doing so would prevent escape or harm. Hot pursuit does not erase warrants in all situations or apply only to minor offenses; it recognizes urgent, imminent danger to public safety or the likelihood of escape as a justified exception to the warrant requirement.