Question

Explain at what point a person is considered "under arrest." Explain the difference between a stop and an arrest. Why might states authorize probable cause arrests for certain unwitnessed misdemeanors? How much force can be used by an officer when executing an arrest? How is it determined? Can you think of any times when you heard about "excessive use of force" and if so, how do you think the actions of a few influenced the perceptions of many regarding the police??

Answer 1

Explain at what point a person is considered "under arrest."

A person may be considered under arrest if a court releases an arrest warrant or when the police themselves witness someone acting in a way that would harm others or act illegally.

Explain the difference between a stop and an arrest.

A stop is a common practice of the police for possible offenders in possible crime scenarios and it is to prevent crime whereas an arrest is executed on solid evidence or people in connection to a crime that has already been committed.

Why might states authorize probable cause arrests for certain unwitnessed misdemeanours?

It is because there is a possibility of people who might have involved in misdemeanours. They would have been in the crime scene or they would have left something in the crime scene. This is purely on suspicion or on the complaint of the victim.

How much force can be used by an officer when executing an arrest? How is it determined?

Police execute different types of force for different kinds of crimes. For a minor crime, they just request the person to come with them but for major crimes such as murder, terrorism etc. police might use very strong force such as making them kneel down, tying their hands at the back and they might also use guns to bring them down.

Can you think of any times when you heard about "excessive use of force" and if so, how do you think the actions of a few influenced the perceptions of many regarding the police?

I have witnessed once when a five police officers stormed into a house where few immigrants were staying. They all had guns aimed and they brought the three immigrants who were college students to the street, tied them, searched their house and left saying sorry. The search was based on the information because they were from African countries. This act of few made people like me think, how long these people behave this way by pulling out poor people who are here for their studies or livelihood. I thought all the policemen are like them but I have also witnessed good policemen in our neighbourhood who help people.