When should an officer note the reason for an arrest rather than issuing a citation?

Noting the reason for an arrest rather than issuing a citation is essential when there is good cause to believe the individual will not appear in court. This situation typically arises in cases where the officer assesses that the person poses a flight risk due to prior behavior patterns, the seriousness of the offense, or other factors that indicate non-compliance with court appearances. By formally arresting the individual, the officer ensures that they can maintain control over the situation and help guarantee that the accused will face the legal consequences of their actions in court, as the citation alone may not be adequate to ensure their presence.

While there are times when cooperation and circumstances may influence the decision to issue a citation, the primary concern in this context is the likelihood of the individual returning to court, which makes the noted reasoning for an arrest particularly crucial.