Under what conditions can a law enforcement officer arrest without a warrant?

The correct choice, which states that a law enforcement officer can arrest without a warrant if probable cause exists for certain crimes, is grounded in both constitutional law and practical law enforcement principles.

Probable cause means that the officer has a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed or is being committed. This standard allows officers to act swiftly to prevent the continuation of a crime or to apprehend a suspect who poses a threat to public safety. For example, if an officer witnesses an individual engaging in a violent act or receives credible information about an ongoing crime, they can arrest that person without needing to wait for a warrant.

The ability to make warrantless arrests is also crucial for effective law enforcement, as it allows officers to respond to situations that require immediate intervention. This principle applies to various situations, including felonies and certain misdemeanors, not restricted solely to one category like traffic violations or misdemeanors.

In contrast, the other options are more limited and do not accurately capture the broader legal context under which officers can operate. Traffic violations alone do not encompass all the reasons for warrantless arrests, and while misdemeanors can lead to such actions, they do not define the circumstances fully. Additionally, civilian requests for