Under what conditions can an officer make a warrantless arrest?

A warrantless arrest may be made by an officer for both felonies and misdemeanors if the offense occurs in the officer's presence. This principle is grounded in the belief that when an officer directly observes a crime taking place, there is a legitimate need for immediate action to prevent further criminal activity or to secure evidence.

If a law enforcement officer witnesses a crime, they have the authority to act swiftly to apprehend the suspect without first obtaining a warrant. This immediacy is crucial for effective law enforcement, as it ensures that offenders are held accountable for their actions before they have the chance to evade justice.

In contrast, warrantless arrests for misdemeanors may be limited outside of the officer's presence, reflecting the seriousness of the crime. Similarly, while any crime reported by a victim can lead to a response from law enforcement, it does not necessarily authorize an arrest without a warrant unless the officer witnesses the crime firsthand.