The authority to arrest a person requires:

The authority to arrest a person fundamentally relies on the concept of probable cause. Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on facts or circumstances, that a person has committed or is committing a crime. This standard is critical in ensuring that law enforcement actions, such as arrests, are justified and not arbitrary or capricious.

Law enforcement officers must gather enough evidence or situations that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a suspect is involved in criminal activity. This standard helps protect citizens' rights and maintain the integrity of the legal process. Without probable cause, an arrest could be deemed unlawful, potentially leading to legal repercussions for the officer and a violation of the individual's rights.

Other options, such as public consent, a court order, or solely having an eyewitness account, do not universally suffice to provide the authority needed for an arrest. For instance, consent may not always be applicable or feasible, and while a court order can authorize an arrest, it typically follows a finding of probable cause. Likewise, while eyewitness accounts can contribute to establishing probable cause, they are not in and of themselves sufficient without additional corroborating evidence.