What authority does a peace officer have in relation to making arrests without a warrant?

A peace officer has the authority to make arrests without a warrant under certain conditions, which primarily involve the officer's awareness and belief regarding the nature of the offense. The correct choice highlights that an officer can arrest a person if they believe that individual has committed a felony or a breach of the peace. This means the officer must have probable cause—a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been or will be committed.

This authority is rooted in public safety and allows peace officers to act swiftly to prevent further crimes or harm. For instance, if an officer witnesses someone engaging in threatening behavior or understands that there is a significant risk due to criminal activity (such as a felony), they can intervene without first obtaining a warrant, which is necessary for some less urgent situations.

The other scenarios mentioned may not meet the legal thresholds required for warrantless arrests. While observing a vehicle violation might prompt an officer to pull over a driver or issue a citation, it does not inherently grant arrest power for a felony or breach of peace. Likewise, receiving a tip does not necessarily equate to probable cause unless supported by corroborating evidence. Simply witnessing a crime occurring would grant the officer authority to act, but that choice does not address the broader application of making arrests based on reasonable belief