What must officers submit to a magistrate to establish probable cause?

To establish probable cause, officers must submit an affidavit detailing the circumstances surrounding the investigation. This affidavit is a sworn written statement that provides a narrative of the facts and evidence that led the officers to believe that a crime has been committed or that a particular individual is involved in criminal activity.

The importance of the affidavit lies in its role in conveying the necessary information to the magistrate, who must review it to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to justify the issuance of a warrant for arrest or search. The affidavit must contain factual assertions rather than mere conclusions, providing enough persuasive detail to demonstrate that there is a reasonable basis for the belief that a crime has occurred.

Other forms of evidence, like a letter from the Chief of Police, a video recording, or witness statements, do not fulfill the legal requirement for establishing probable cause in this context. While they may support an investigation or the contents of the affidavit, they do not serve as the formal document necessary for a magistrate's approval in warrant applications.