What must be established for a valid arrest?

For an arrest to be considered valid, the most fundamental requirement is the presence of probable cause. Probable cause means that law enforcement officers must have a reasonable belief, based on factual evidence, that a person has committed, is committing, or will commit a crime. This standard is crucial because it helps protect individuals from arbitrary arrests and ensures that law enforcement actions are based on sufficient justification.

While warrants, notifications, and witness presence can play roles in specific circumstances or may enhance the legality of an arrest, they are not universally required for all arrests. For instance, officers can perform warrantless arrests if they have probable cause. Therefore, the presence of probable cause is the essential element that validates an arrest, making this the key aspect that underpins lawful police action in this context.