What is a citizen's arrest?

A citizen's arrest is defined as the act of detaining an individual whom one suspects of committing a crime, with the intention of holding that person until law enforcement authorities arrive to take control of the situation. This right is typically grounded in the principle that private individuals may take action when they witness a crime occurring, reflecting a community-oriented approach to law enforcement and safety.

The rationale behind this practice is to empower citizens to contribute to public safety while ensuring that offenders can be apprehended promptly. However, the use of a citizen's arrest comes with significant responsibilities, as it must be performed within legal boundaries to avoid infringements on someone's rights or potential legal repercussions for the individual making the arrest.

Other options describe actions related to law enforcement but do not accurately define the term "citizen's arrest." Arresting someone without legal authority neglects the specifics required to categorize a citizen’s arrest properly. Summoning police refers to alerting law enforcement rather than taking direct action. Conducting a patrol in a neighborhood relates to proactive community engagement but entirely misses the context of detaining a suspect.