What must you have before making an arrest?

In order to make an arrest, having significant probable cause to demonstrate that a crime has been committed is essential because it serves as the legal foundation for the arrest. Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on facts or circumstances, that a crime has occurred and that the individual being arrested is involved in that crime. This standard is designed to protect individuals from arbitrary or unjustified detentions and ensures that law enforcement has sufficient justification to proceed with an arrest.

Probable cause typically involves the totality of circumstances known to the officer at the time of the arrest, which may include direct evidence, witness statements, victim reports, or officer observations. Without this foundational element, any arrest made could be deemed unlawful, leading to potential legal repercussions for the officer and the law enforcement agency.

Other options, such as having a witness statement or permission from a superior, may provide additional context or support for an arrest but do not fulfill the essential requirement of establishing probable cause necessary for the legality of the action.