How is arrest defined in law enforcement?

Arrest is defined in law enforcement as the act of detaining a person suspected of committing a crime. This definition emphasizes the physical restraint and control exercised by law enforcement officers over an individual when they have probable cause to believe that person has engaged in criminal activity. The process involves legally taking a suspect into custody, thereby restricting their freedom and initiating legal proceedings against them.

This understanding of arrest is crucial because it highlights the necessity of due process and the importance of the officer's justification for detaining an individual. A valid arrest typically requires probable cause—a reasonable belief based on facts that a person has committed or is committing a crime. Once an arrest is made, it is the beginning of the criminal justice process, leading to further actions such as booking, charging, and possibly going to trial.

Other options, while related to the legal process, focus on different aspects: summoning a court appearance or issuing a citation, doesn't involve physical detention, and a formal accusation of a crime pertains specifically to the charges laid against an individual, rather than the moment of arrest itself. Each of these alternatives serves a distinct purpose within the broader legal framework.