What must exist for an arrest to be made, aside from a warrant?

For an arrest to be made, aside from a warrant, probable cause must exist. Probable cause is a legal standard that means there are sufficient facts and circumstances to justify a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or that a specific individual is involved in that crime. This standard protects individuals from unlawful arrests and ensures that law enforcement officers have a legitimate reason for detaining someone.

While evidence can relate to the concept of probable cause, it alone does not guarantee that an arrest can be made. A confession is a statement by the suspect admitting guilt, but relying solely on a confession without corroborating evidence or probable cause could lead to issues. A subpoena, on the other hand, is a legal document ordering someone to attend court or produce evidence, which does not pertain to the act of making an arrest. Probable cause connects the officer's observations and the situation directly to the likelihood of criminal activity, thus forming the bedrock for lawful arrest procedures in law enforcement.