The process of obtaining a search warrant is about to become significantly faster and more efficient for law enforcement officers, prosecutors/DAs, judges, and even the clerk's office. According to a recent article in the Marysville Journal-Tribune, Union County is implementing an electronic search warrant system that will modernize the way warrants are requested, reviewed, and approved.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips highlighted the impact of Warrant by ezJustice, stating, “It should really improve the efficiency and deliveries of warrants. I wouldn’t call the current system slow and inefficient, but it is slower”.
Currently, officers must leave a crime scene, manually complete an affidavit, obtain prosecutor approval, and wait for a judge’s signature—sometimes taking hours. In time-sensitive situations, delays can hinder investigations. Warrant by ezJustice revolutionizes this process by allowing officers to submit warrant requests digitally, enabling real-time collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. Check out the full article here:
The new system streamlines the workflow by providing:
With the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the use of “reliable electronic means for the execution of a search warrant,” Warrant by ezJustice ensures compliance while enhancing accessibility. Prosecutor Phillips pointed out that electronic warrant offerings have become common across the country, stating, “The number of states allowing the issuance of warrants based on telephonic, video, or electronic affidavit has grown from a simple majority to at least 45”.
Several Ohio counties already leverage electronic warrant systems, and the state itself has implemented an initiative through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The agency noted that “Ohio’s eWarrant system improves the thoroughness, accuracy, and timeliness of the submissions to the Ohio Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)”. With Union County set to adopt Warrant by ezJustice, law enforcement agencies can expect streamlined operations and reduced delays in executing search warrants.
Phillips and his office are currently finalizing standardized templates to ensure a seamless rollout of Warrant by ezJustice. He noted that this system will be especially beneficial in scenarios requiring overnight warrants, allowing officers and judges to complete the process electronically without requiring physical courthouse visits.
With implementation expected in the coming months, Warrant by ezJustice is set to become a game-changer for law enforcement agencies, court staff, and judges.