What is an arrest warrant?

An arrest warrant serves as a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific individual into custody. This authorization is based on evidence that suggests the individual has committed a crime or is a suspect in a criminal investigation. The presence of an arrest warrant provides law enforcement with the legal backing necessary to perform an arrest, ensuring that the individual's rights are respected and that the arrest is conducted within the framework of the law.

Option A refers to a document outlining charges, but this is typically presented during the prosecution phase rather than as the basis for an arrest. Option C describes a summary of investigations, which does not inherently have legal force or authority to detain someone. Option D might involve public notifications regarding a suspect, but it lacks the legal authority that an arrest warrant holds. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of an arrest warrant is its role as an official legal instrument specifically empowering law enforcement to apprehend a designated individual.