A warrant unit executes arrest warrants and works with other law enforcement agencies. Members receive special training and must first qualify as police officers. The unit has its own chain of command and may assist other agencies with major arrests.
A warrant unit is a division of law enforcement focused on executing warrants. People typically volunteer to join this unit, and members of the unit work closely with other law enforcement agencies in addition to the court. When arrest warrants are issued, to compel people to appear in court and for other reasons, they are handed over to this unit for execution. Unit members can receive special training to help them work more effectively and safely.
Not all law enforcement agencies have a warrant unit. Warrant units are typically used when enough warrants are issued each year to create full-time employment for at least a small group of officers. The unit has its own chain of command for organization and accountability and can include any number of officers, from three in a relatively small department to 10 or more in a large one. There may also be instances where officers are loaned from other agencies to assist a warrant unit, typically in apprehending a high-profile or particularly dangerous suspect.
When a warrant is issued, the subject may be mailed a copy, providing the opportunity to voluntarily respond to the warrant. If the person fails to comply, the warrant unit initiates a pursuit. Until the subject can be brought into play or the warrant is cancelled, the warrant will remain on hold. Once arrested, people can be taken to jail, forced to appear in court, or forced to follow a court order they don’t comply with, such as an order to pay child support.
Warrant units may assist other agencies with major arrests and other situations where additional law enforcement officers are needed. They also work with these agencies to process warrants, delivering individuals to partner agencies on warrants as requested, as well as participate in extradition orders when subjects of warrants are arrested outside their jurisdiction. In some cases, warrant units may have other law enforcement responsibilities, such as providing courthouse security or offering other services.
To join a warrant unit, individuals must first qualify as police officers. Typically they are expected to serve in the police force for a specified amount of time before they can begin applying in individual units of the force. This gives them the opportunity to gain experience and training before starting specialized work and also allows them to familiarize themselves with the agency as a whole, facilitating cooperation in the future.
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