A "dawn raid" is a term used to describe a surprise inspection or raid, often conducted in the early hours of the morning when the target is least likely to be prepared or alerted. Synonyms for "dawn raid" include "surprise search," "unannounced inspection," "morning sweep," "early-morning investigation," and "pre-dawn operation." These terms are often used in the context of law enforcement, but can also be applied to surprise inspections in other fields, such as business and agriculture. The purpose of a dawn raid is to catch the target off guard and obtain evidence or information that may otherwise have been hidden or destroyed.