What constitutes an arrest?

An arrest is legally defined as the taking of a person into custody by law enforcement. This action typically involves a deprivation of the individual's freedom of movement and is performed with the intent to charge them with a crime. The critical aspect that distinguishes an arrest from other forms of police interaction is that it is executed against the person's will and usually requires probable cause supported by facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe that the person committed a crime.

In the context of the options provided, when police take a person into custody against their will, it directly aligns with the legal definition of an arrest. This action signifies that law enforcement has sufficient grounds to restrict the individual's liberty for investigative or prosecutorial purposes.

In contrast, other options do not meet the criteria for an arrest. A mere request for questioning does not constitute an arrest because it allows for voluntary compliance without coercion. Similarly, detaining someone without cause does not satisfy the legal standard required for a lawful arrest. Lastly, issuing a citation may involve a similar intent to hold a person accountable but does not equate to taking someone into custody, as it often allows for the individual to remain free without immediate confinement. Thus, the correct understanding of what constitutes an arrest is accurately captured by the indication