How must law enforcement officers document probable cause?

Law enforcement officers must document probable cause by providing a sworn affidavit. A sworn affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, which provides a detailed account of the facts and circumstances that led the officer to believe that a crime has been or will be committed. This formal documentation is crucial because it serves as a legal document that can be presented in court. It ensures that there is a clear, official record of the evidence and reasoning that support the decision to arrest or search, which is essential for upholding the rights of individuals and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

While anonymous tips can be a part of the probable cause assessment, they need corroboration to be reliable in court. Verbal statements alone lack the necessary formal documentation and are not suitable for establishing legal standards of probable cause. Recorded videos can provide visual evidence but, like anonymous tips, must be supplemented with additional context or information to establish the full basis for probable cause. Thus, the requirement for a sworn affidavit reflects the legal standards and responsibilities upheld by law enforcement in documenting their justification for actions taken.