Legal Definitions - covert-entry search warrant

A covert-entry search warrant is a written order from a judge that allows law enforcement officers to secretly enter a private property without the owner's knowledge or consent to search for evidence. This type of warrant is also known as a sneak-and-peek search warrant or surreptitious-entry search warrant.

For example, if the police suspect that a person is involved in drug trafficking, they may obtain a covert-entry search warrant to enter the suspect's home when they are not there and search for evidence such as drugs, drug paraphernalia, or documents related to drug transactions.

Covert-entry search warrants were first given statutory authority by the USA Patriot Act. Information gathered during the search can later be used to support a search warrant under which physical evidence can be seized.