Master the TCOLE BPOC Arrest, Search, & Seizure in 2026 – Ace It Like a Pro!

The authority to arrest an individual without a warrant for an offense that was witnessed falls to peace officers. Peace officers possess specific training and legal power granted by the state to enforce the law, maintain public order, and make arrests in various situations. This includes both misdemeanor and felony offenses that they directly observe.

While citizens may have the ability to make a citizen's arrest under certain conditions, the legal standards and potential liabilities involved can be quite complex and do not equate to the established authority of peace officers. Security personnel, while often equipped to manage situations within their jurisdictions, do not generally have the same level of authority as peace officers unless explicitly granted by law or contract. Individuals working in law enforcement would include peace officers, but the term itself is broader and not specifically focused on the arresting authority, making it less precise than simply referring to peace officers. Hence, the most accurate answer is that peace officers hold this authority directly.