What is the burden of proof required for an officer to make an arrest?

The burden of proof required for an officer to make an arrest is probable cause. This legal standard means that the officer must have enough factual evidence to reasonably believe that a crime has been committed and that the person being arrested is the one who committed it. Probable cause is based on the totality of the circumstances and requires a fair probability that a crime has occurred, allowing law enforcement to take necessary actions to enforce the law and protect public safety.

Clear and convincing evidence, while a higher standard often used in civil cases, is not required for arrests. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof and is used in criminal trials to secure a conviction; it is not applicable at the point of arrest. Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard that allows officers to stop and briefly question a person but does not authorize an arrest without further evidence to meet the probable cause standard. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the necessary legal requirement for making an arrest.