What must officers demonstrate to make an arrest?

To make an arrest, officers must demonstrate probable cause. Probable cause arises when law enforcement has a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed, and that the person being arrested is involved in that crime. This threshold is crucial as it protects individuals from arbitrary arrests and ensures that there is a factual basis for the arrest.

Probable cause is a standard that balances the need for effective law enforcement with the rights of individuals against unlawful seizure. It requires more than mere suspicion but does not require the level of certainty necessary for a conviction in a court of law. In contrast, reasonable doubt is a standard applied during a trial to determine guilt. Absolute certainty is an unattainable standard in law enforcement, as there remains an inherent level of uncertainty in all criminal justice matters. Lastly, general suspicion lacks the necessary factual basis and would not meet the legal thresholds required for an arrest. Therefore, the requirement of probable cause underpins the process of making a lawful arrest.