What must peace officers have in order to make an arrest?

For peace officers to make a lawful arrest, they must possess real authority under the law. This authority is granted through statutes and legal provisions that outline the conditions under which an officer can detain or arrest an individual. This typically includes having probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime or is in the process of committing one.

This foundational principle ensures that arrests are made in accordance with legal standards, protecting individuals' rights and upholding the rule of law. Having real authority means that the officer is acting within their jurisdiction and has the legal empowerment to enforce the law, making arrest a legitimate action rather than an overreach of power.

Other options such as consent from the individual or support from a superior officer might influence how an arrest is conducted but are not prerequisites to the legality of the arrest itself. Witness testimony may be valuable, but it is not a requirement for an officer to exercise the authority to make an arrest.