Under what condition can an officer apply for a search warrant to seize obscene materials?

An officer can apply for a search warrant to seize obscene materials based on the involvement of a district attorney or assistant district attorney. This requirement aligns with the legal standards that ensure proper judicial oversight and adherence to prosecutorial guidelines when dealing with potentially sensitive materials.

The rationale behind this condition is to provide an additional layer of scrutiny, ensuring that the application for a search warrant is grounded in legal justification and that any actions taken are consistent with established laws regarding obscenity. Involving a district attorney helps affirm that the proper legal thresholds have been met, particularly given the complexities surrounding the definitions of obscenity and the implications of seizing materials that could be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment.

This requirement also establishes a collaborative relationship between law enforcement and legal counsel, promoting thorough deliberation regarding the need for a search warrant. The other options mentioned do not adhere to the legal protocols necessary for such applications. For instance, acting on personal discretion or routine observations without a proper legal framework would not suffice to justify the issuance of a search warrant in these circumstances.