Under what circumstances can police arrest without a warrant?

Police can arrest without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a person is committing or has committed an indictable offence. This is a crucial aspect of law enforcement powers, as it allows officers to act swiftly in situations where delay could result in harm or the loss of evidence. Indictable offences are typically serious crimes, and the ability to arrest without a warrant enables the police to take necessary action to protect public safety and the integrity of the legal process.

The rationale behind this provision is based on the need for effective law enforcement while balancing the rights of individuals. When there is sufficient evidence or credible information indicating that a serious crime is occurring or has occurred, the police are authorized to intervene immediately to prevent further unlawful action.

In contrast, merely being suspicious or receiving a tip without any supporting evidence does not provide sufficient grounds for an arrest. Additionally, the definition of misdemeanours may vary by jurisdiction, and not all misdemeanours allow for a warrantless arrest. Therefore, the ability to act without a warrant primarily hinges on the nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the situation at hand.