Although a search warrant is issued on behalf of the state (that is, by the prosecuting agency), the judge actually issues and signs it. The purpose of having a judge issue the warrant...instead of the police or a prosecutor...is to ensure that a neutral, detached individual evaluates the circumstances. But before the judge can sign off, two requirements must be met: the judge must reasonably believe (1) that a crime has been committed, and (2) that evidence of that crime is likely to be found in the place(s) described in the search warrant. If the facts presented in the warrant application are convincing, the judge must sign and issue the search warrant.