According to the U.S. Supreme Court, can police take bodily samples without permission?

The correct answer indicates that police can take bodily samples without permission for physical evidence, though this requires some clarification. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that, under certain circumstances, law enforcement officers may collect bodily samples—such as blood, saliva, or hair—without a warrant or explicit consent if they are necessary for the investigation of a crime and if the collection process itself does not violate individual rights.

This practice is often justified under the "exigent circumstances" exception, which allows for warrantless searches and seizures when there is a compelling need for immediate action that outweighs the individual’s right to privacy. This principle aligns with the concept of physical evidence collected in a manner that does not intrude upon personal privacy to an unreasonable extent.

It is important to note that these decisions are built on a careful balance between law enforcement needs and individual constitutional rights. Although taking bodily samples can sometimes be permissible without permission, this does not mean it is always the case, particularly if it infringes on rights protected by the Fourth or Fifth Amendments.