What is a search warrant?

A search warrant is indeed a written order that authorizes law enforcement to conduct a search of a specific location for specific items related to a criminal investigation. It enables the police to look for evidence in a person's belongings, such as a home, vehicle, or business, based on probable cause that evidence of a crime will be found there.

This legal document is crucial in maintaining the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual rights, ensuring that searches are conducted lawfully and with respect for privacy. The issuance of a search warrant typically involves a judge or magistrate reviewing the request and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to justify the search.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define a search warrant. The idea of seizing an individual pertains more to an arrest warrant, while interrogating a suspect falls under the domain of police interrogation protocols and does not require a search warrant. A verbal request lacks the formal legal framework necessary for law enforcement actions like searches, which is why it's not a correct representation of what a search warrant is.