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Questions tagged [citizens-arrest]

An arrest or detention of a suspected offender by an individual who is not a police officer or other sworn law enforcement official. Legislation is jurisdiction-dependent so please add a location tag.

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In Los Angeles can I defend my own property against looters?

Currently, there is looting being done in Los Angeles by many people who are pretending to protest against the killing of George Floyd (some others are actually protesting and a few people are helping to stop looters). If someone were to loot my…
gerardus
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If someone stops a potential murder by subduing a gunman, what would be the possible consequences?

I'm writing a story and I wanted some accuracy on this matter, specifically for the consequences on the person to whom this would happen. Imagine an off-duty security guard, while walking home, finds a man pointing a gun at an unarmed man and child.…
SuperYoshikong
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Can a non-citizen make a citizen's arrest in the US?

In the United States, can a non citizen make a citizen's arrest? Does this vary by state?
probablysillyquestion
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Placing a Police Officer Under Citizen's Arrest

If you place a police officer under citizen's arrest, does that officer still hold the authority to arrest you?
Daniel
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When can a citizen's arrest of an Interpol fugitive be legal in Washington D.C.?

A former Guatemalan prosecutor and human rights Ombudsman are living in Washington D.C. with Red Notices from Interpol. The U.S. has no interest in assisting on sending them back for prosecution as they brought incriminating government documents…
Gordon Duke
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Can a civilian legally take any action against a police officer if they witness the officer violating traffic laws?

I saw this video where a civilian manages to pull over a police officer for speeding. I doubt pulling someone over as a civilian is legal, strictly speaking, especially since the guy had to speed himself to keep up with the speeding officer. I know…
J.Todd
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Would it be illegal for me to act as a “Civillian Traffic Enforcer”?

I witnessed a silver Mustang full throttle from an intersection today and was wishing there was something i could do. (Or, substitute some other clear traffic infraction or dangerous driving — whatever premise is needed to make this question…
Anonymous Car Technician
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Ahmaud Arbery defendants invoke Georgia State Law as a Defense in Federal Court

It is my understanding that three defendants face a Federal hate crime involving the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery. In April 2021, all three men were indicted on federal charges of one count each of interference with rights (a hate crime) and one…
gatorback
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Can a citizen's arrest be made for a purely Federal offense?

First of all, let me start by saying that nearly all lawyers and police agree that a citizen's arrest is a poor choice even when it is legal. I can find a lot of resources on the legality of citizen's arrests among the various US states (most permit…
Robert Columbia
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Can a child do a citizen's arrest?

I'm really interested to know if it's legal in London (UK) and Germany for a child, say at 13 or even aged 8, to do a citizen's arrest? On an adult, if that makes a difference.
Heddy
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Recourse to resistance in citizen's arrest

I am curious about citizen's arrest, at least in how it applies in the U.S., particularly the recourse the arresting party has in case of resistance/evasion. Let's say you see an assault/battery take place, after which the perpetrator attempts to…
amphibient
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When can a citizens arrest be made and how much force can be used?

My understanding of a citizen’s arrest that it's when is a person detains another person who is caught committing a crime until police arrive. If the person tries to leave how much force can the arrester use? How certain must they be that the person…
Mahones
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What is the legal situation if you perform a citizen's arrest on a security guard?

The law on citizens arrest is here and summarised by the police here: How do I know if I can make a citizens arrest? You can make an arrest if the suspect is actually committing the offence or if you reasonably suspect them of committing it, or…
User65535
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What rights does a private citizen have to aid in law enforcement?

Suppose you witnessed a robbery or theft from a store in the United States and saw someone running with the stolen goods, and you yell, "Stop, thief." Are you within your rights? Suppose you see someone running, and the police chasing him. If you…
Libra
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Is there such a thing as citizens arrest in international waters?

Say someone knows for CERTAIN that a speedboat in international waters is carrying something illegal can they do a citizens arrest and stop the boat ? And then hand it over to the navy or police ? ( it doesn't really matter how they know or what the…
Heddy
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