What scenario could allow an officer to make a warrantless arrest?

A warrantless arrest can occur when an officer has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a felony. Probable cause means that the officer has sufficient facts and circumstances to reasonably believe that a crime has occurred and that the person in question is responsible for it. This legal standard is essential for enabling law enforcement to act swiftly in preventing further crime or ensuring the suspect's presence.

When an officer has probable cause for a felony, they are legally justified to make an arrest without having to first obtain a warrant. This exception is crucial in cases where waiting for a warrant could result in the destruction of evidence, the suspect fleeing, or posing a danger to the public.

While being notified of a crime or witnessing a minor offense may provide grounds for investigation or action, they do not meet the legal threshold for warrantless arrests related to felonies. Similarly, a suspect's refusal to cooperate may indicate suspicious behavior but does not, on its own, create the necessary probable cause for arrest. Thus, in the context of pursuing effective law enforcement, having probable cause for a felony is a clear and defined basis for warrantless arrest.