What is the definition of arrest?

The definition of arrest as the process of seizing and taking custody of a person believed to have committed a crime is accurate because it encompasses the fundamental legal action taken by law enforcement when they detain an individual they suspect has violated the law. This definition emphasizes that an arrest signifies a formal action that involves law enforcement confirming they have probable cause, following appropriate legal procedures.

An arrest typically entails not just the physical act of detaining an individual but also the implication of legal consequences—specifically, that the person may face charges in relation to a suspected crime. This definition helps to differentiate arrest from other law enforcement actions such as questioning or searches, which do not necessarily involve taking someone into custody.

In contrast, the other definitions do not capture the full legal significance of an arrest. Keeping someone temporarily for questioning relates to different circumstances, such as investigative stops, while searching property without permission raises issues of legal authority and privacy rights. Legal authority granted to police officers describes their powers but does not specifically define the act of arrest itself. Thus, focusing on the notion of taking someone into custody for suspected criminal activity provides a more precise understanding of what an arrest entails in the realm of law enforcement.