What is a private person allowed to do when witnessing a crime?

A private person is permitted to make an arrest for any offense they witness based on the legal doctrine of citizen's arrest. This concept allows individuals to take action when they observe a crime, particularly if it is a felony or if a misdemeanor is committed in their presence. The rationale behind this allowance is rooted in the idea that citizens play a role in maintaining public safety and order.

This ability to make an arrest, however, typically comes with certain responsibilities and legal limitations. The person making the arrest must have reasonable grounds to believe that the individual is committing a crime, and they should use only reasonable force necessary to make the arrest. Understanding this principle is crucial, as it empowers individuals to take immediate action when they witness wrongdoing, while also highlighting the importance of doing so responsibly.

Other options present actions that would limit the private person’s engagement with the crime. For instance, merely reporting to the police does not leverage the opportunity to directly intervene in the situation, which may allow the suspect to escape. Attempting to detain the suspect is a step in the right direction but may not fully encapsulate the legal empowerment given through the ability to make an arrest in the case of witnessing a crime. Allowing the suspect to leave and calling authorities later essentially misses the