If a driver declines consent for a phone search, what must a law enforcement officer obtain?

When a driver explicitly declines consent for a phone search, a law enforcement officer is required to obtain a warrant to proceed with the search legally. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, which means that law enforcement must have a valid warrant based on probable cause to search personal property, including a mobile device.

If consent is not given, officers cannot simply rely on their authority to conduct the search without proper legal backing. Obtaining a warrant ensures that there is judicial oversight and that the rights of the individual are upheld. This legal procedure not only protects the privacy of individuals but also strengthens the integrity of the law enforcement process by ensuring that searches are conducted fairly and based on justified legal grounds.