What is the purpose of an arrest warrant?

The purpose of an arrest warrant is to authorize the arrest of a specific individual. This legal document is issued by a judge or magistrate and is based on the presentation of probable cause that a person has committed a crime. It serves as a safeguard against unlawful arrests, ensuring that law enforcement has judicial backing when apprehending someone. The specificity of the warrant is crucial, as it clearly identifies the individual to be arrested, thereby upholding the rights of citizens and maintaining legal order within the criminal justice system.

In contrast, the other options serve different legal functions. For instance, an arrest warrant does not relate to the release of an inmate or documentation of police reports, nor is it used for permitting searches of premises, which typically would require a separate search warrant. Thus, the correct answer highlights the core concentration and authority that an arrest warrant carries in the context of law enforcement.