Which scenario exemplifies exigent circumstances?

Exigent circumstances refer to situations where law enforcement officers are allowed to act without obtaining a warrant because they face an immediate need to prevent harm, destroy evidence, or escape a dangerous situation. The scenario where a resident is screaming for help from inside a locked house is a clear example of exigent circumstances. In this case, the officer has a reasonable belief that someone may be in danger and that immediate action is necessary.

The urgency of responding to a potential crime in progress or a life-threatening situation constitutes the kind of critical circumstance that justifies bypassing the typical warrant requirement. The screaming indicates imminent danger, which compels law enforcement to enter the premises without delay.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not meet the criteria required for exigent circumstances. A disturbance without direct evidence of a crime doesn’t provide enough justification for an immediate warrantless entry. An anonymous tip about drug activity may raise concern but does not imply an immediate threat that requires urgent action. Lastly, a request for a wellness check does not indicate that a life-threatening situation is occurring at that very moment, thus not meeting the urgency needed to invoke exigent circumstances.