What grounds permit an officer to make an arrest without a warrant?

An officer is permitted to make an arrest without a warrant when an offense has been committed in the officer's presence. This principle is rooted in the idea that an officer has firsthand knowledge of the crime and can act immediately to uphold the law and ensure public safety. When an officer witnesses a crime occurring, they possess the necessary information to establish probable cause for the arrest, which is a key requirement for such actions.

The immediacy and clarity of witnessing a crime allows the officer to act decisively and effectively without the delay that would accompany seeking a warrant. This authority is essential for maintaining law and order, as it enables officers to respond promptly to criminal activity.

While witness testimony, the officer's intuition, and public complaints may provide leads or helpful information in an investigation, they do not alone justify a warrantless arrest unless accompanied by the officer’s direct observation of an offense being committed.