Under policy, a misdemeanor is considered committed when it occurs in the presence of an officer or when a felony has been committed with probable cause that the arrestee committed it.

Under policy, a misdemeanor is considered committed when it occurs in the presence of an officer or when a felony has been committed with probable cause that the arrestee committed it.

• A. Only after the victim files a complaint.
• B. If a misdemeanor is committed in the presence of the officer or if a felony has been committed with probable cause that the arrestee committed it.
• C. If a neighbor reports it.
• D. Only with a formal warrant.

Answer: (B)

Misdemeanor arrests are allowed when the offense is occurring in the officer’s presence, while felony arrests can be made if there is probable cause that the arrestee committed the felony, even if it wasn’t witnessed. The statement that captures both triggers—misdemeanor in the officer’s presence or felony with probable cause—is the best fit because it aligns with how officers are authorized to act in these two situations. This framework lets officers address ongoing wrongdoing immediately for misdemeanors, and pursue felonies based on reasonable belief when not witnessed. Other options rely on outside reports or a warrant, which don’t reflect these arrest triggers.

Misdemeanor arrests are allowed when the offense is occurring in the officer’s presence, while felony arrests can be made if there is probable cause that the arrestee committed the felony, even if it wasn’t witnessed. The statement that captures both triggers—misdemeanor in the officer’s presence or felony with probable cause—is the best fit because it aligns with how officers are authorized to act in these two situations. This framework lets officers address ongoing wrongdoing immediately for misdemeanors, and pursue felonies based on reasonable belief when not witnessed. Other options rely on outside reports or a warrant, which don’t reflect these arrest triggers.