Which level of suspicion allows an arrest?

• A. Reasonable certainty
• B. Probable cause (May arrest)
• C. No suspicion
• D. Some or mere suspicion (Gut feeling)

Answer: (B)

Probable cause is the level of suspicion required to arrest. It means the officer has facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe the suspect is involved in a crime. It’s more than a mere hunch but does not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard supports taking someone into custody without a warrant in appropriate situations and is grounded in concrete observations, admissions, or reliable information.

Reasonable certainty isn’t the recognized arrest standard, and no suspicion cannot justify an arrest. Some or mere suspicion, often associated with a gut feeling or reasonable suspicion, is enough for a brief detention or stop, not for arrest.