Under what condition can a warrantless arrest be made?

A warrantless arrest can be made when a crime is committed in the officer's presence. This principle is grounded in law enforcement practices and reflects the necessity for immediate action to prevent further harm or to secure evidence related to the crime. When an officer directly observes a crime occurring, they hold the authority to arrest the suspect without needing to obtain a warrant, as their immediate visibility of the offense justifies their intervention.

This condition is significant because it empowers law enforcement to act swiftly in situations where waiting for a warrant could lead to the loss of evidence or increased danger to the public or the officer themselves. When a crime is actively taking place, the officer's direct observation provides firsthand knowledge of the criminal conduct, making the arrest both legal and prudent. This contrasts with scenarios where an officer may rely on hearsay or prior knowledge of criminal activity, which do not meet the immediate criteria required for a warrantless arrest.