What is required for an individual to be arrested without a warrant?

For an individual to be arrested without a warrant, it is essential that a law enforcement officer witnesses a crime in action. This aligns with legal standards that permit warrantless arrests under certain conditions, particularly when a crime is committed in the officer's presence. This immediate observation provides the officer with probable cause, which is a fundamental requirement for making an arrest without a warrant.

The notion of witnessing a crime contributes to the protection of individuals' rights, as it ensures that arrests are based on observable facts rather than vague assertions or personal feelings. In situations where someone is arrested based on direct observation of the crime, it follows established legal precedent and supports law enforcement's ability to respond swiftly to incidents as they occur.

In contrast, having a personal vendetta does not provide legal grounds for an arrest and could lead to abuses of power. Suspicion of future wrongdoing lacks the immediacy required for an arrest and could result in unlawful detentions without clear evidence. Lastly, generic police intuition alone is insufficient for making an arrest as it does not meet the legal standard of probable cause that is necessary for a warrantless arrest.