Police Entrance Practice Exam

What is the legal term for a police officer's power to arrest?

1. Search authority

2. Apprehension power

3. Arrest authority

4. Detainment permission

The correct answer is: Arrest authority

The legal term that best describes a police officer's power to arrest is "arrest authority." This term specifically refers to the legal capacity granted to law enforcement officers to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime. This authority is derived from laws and regulations which stipulate the conditions under which an officer can make an arrest. Understanding arrest authority is crucial because it encompasses various aspects such as the requirements for probable cause, the necessity of identifying oneself as an officer, and the appropriate procedures that must be followed during an arrest. While terms like "search authority," "apprehension power," and "detainment permission" may suggest aspects related to law enforcement duties, they do not accurately convey the specific legal framework or limitations associated with an officer's ability to arrest. "Search authority" pertains to the power to search individuals or properties, "apprehension power" is not a widely recognized legal term, and "detainment permission" implies a broader and less formal context than the precise legal standards of arrest authority. Therefore, "arrest authority" is the most accurate terminology in this context.