Under what circumstance may a law enforcement officer collect biological samples without a warrant?

A law enforcement officer may collect biological samples without a warrant when the suspect is apprehended. This is based on the legal principle that, during a lawful arrest, police are allowed to conduct a search and seize evidence related to the crime, including collecting biological samples. This exception is grounded in the concept of officer safety and the preservation of evidence, allowing officers to gather materials that may be crucial for a case without needing a warrant immediately due to the exigent circumstances of the arrest.

This rationale arises from established case law, which supports the idea that an arrested individual may be searched to prevent the destruction of evidence or ensure the safety of officers and the public. Such searches must be reasonable in scope and tied to the incident leading to the arrest, which justifies the collection of biological evidence without warrant requirements.