National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a valid reason for a police officer to make an arrest without a warrant?

1. If the person is a minor

2. If the person is suspected of being a terrorist

3. If the person has been previously arrested

4. If the person is purchasing illegal substances

The correct answer is: If the person is suspected of being a terrorist

A police officer can make an arrest without a warrant when there is probable cause that a crime is being committed, or has been committed, in their presence. In this context, if a person is suspected of being involved in terrorism-related activities, there are often specific statutes and provisions that empower law enforcement to act without a warrant due to the immediate threat or danger that may arise from such activities. Typically, law enforcement agencies have protocols to follow when they encounter individuals suspected of terrorism to prevent potential harm to the public, which justifies immediate action without the need for a warrant. The urgency and severity of terror-related concerns often warrant such non-warrant arrests given the potential consequences involved. On the other hand, factors like being a minor, having a previous arrest record, or merely purchasing illegal substances may not inherently justify a warrantless arrest without accompanying evidence of ongoing criminal activity or an immediate threat. Each of these scenarios usually requires that additional criteria be met to validate an arrest without a warrant.