What is required for police to make an arrest?

The requirement for police to make an arrest hinges on the principle of probable cause, which is a legal standard that denotes a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. This standard goes beyond mere suspicion or the unsubstantiated claims of a civilian; it necessitates that officers have enough factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has been, or is being, committed.

In addition to probable cause, having sufficient evidence that can substantiate the crime in question is also crucial. This evidence can come from various sources, including the officer's observations, eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, or reliable information from informants. The combination of probable cause and sufficient evidence ensures that arrests are made within the bounds of legality, protecting both the rights of the suspect and the integrity of law enforcement practices.

Other options rely on less stringent standards, such as mere suspicion or reports from civilians without the necessary substantiation of probable cause, thus diverging from the legal requirements for a valid arrest.