What are "administrative subpoenas" generally used for?

Administrative subpoenas are generally used to gather information in regulatory investigations without the need for a warrant. These subpoenas allow regulatory agencies to compel the production of documents, records, and other evidence that may be relevant to administrative matters, such as compliance with regulatory requirements or investigations into potential violations of laws or regulations.

This approach streamlines the investigatory process by enabling agencies to collect necessary information more quickly and efficiently than traditional law enforcement methods, which may require a higher legal standard such as probable cause or a warrant. The use of administrative subpoenas is particularly important in regulatory contexts where timely access to information is crucial for maintaining oversight and enforcement of regulations.

In contrast, the other choices involve concepts that do not align with the specific purpose of administrative subpoenas, such as criminal investigations or accessing public records, which are governed by different legal principles and requirements.