When can law enforcement make an arrest without a warrant?

Law enforcement can make an arrest without a warrant when there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief, based on facts or evidence, that the individual has either committed a crime or is in the process of doing so. This principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, emphasizing that officers must have more than just a suspicion; they need specific and articulable facts that justify the arrest.

This legal standard balances the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights. When officers have sufficient information or evidence—such as eyewitness accounts, tangible evidence, or observations of suspicious behavior that indicate criminal activity—they can proceed with an arrest without having to obtain a warrant in advance. This provision allows police to act swiftly to prevent further criminal activity or ensure public safety.

In contrast, other options do not meet the requirements established for making a warrantless arrest, as they either lack the necessary legal standard (like mere suspicion) or incorrectly assert broader authority than what is constitutionally allowed.