In what instance may an officer enter a residence without a warrant?

An officer may enter a residence without a warrant in cases of exigent circumstances. Exigent circumstances refer to situations where law enforcement has a compelling need to act quickly to prevent imminent danger to life, serious harm, or the destruction of evidence. In these scenarios, obtaining a warrant may not be feasible due to the urgency of the situation. For example, if an officer hears sounds of a struggle or believes someone inside may be in danger, they are justified in entering without a warrant to ensure safety or preserve evidence.

It's crucial to note that simply having prior knowledge of a suspect or a local crime alert does not constitute exigent circumstances. Additionally, community knowledge about a suspect doesn't provide the legal basis to bypass the warrant requirement for entering a home. The standard for exigent circumstances is specific and requires an immediate need that outweighs the usual requirement to obtain a warrant.