What must an officer demonstrate to ensure the legality of an arrest?

To ensure the legality of an arrest, an officer must demonstrate a lawful basis such as probable cause. Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime or that evidence of a crime is present. This standard is a fundamental requirement in the criminal justice system, aimed at protecting individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention. When officers have probable cause, they can make an arrest without a warrant if it is necessary and justified by the circumstances, ultimately safeguarding personal freedoms while allowing law enforcement to effectively uphold the law.

The other options do not adequately support the legal framework for arrest. Public opinion does not provide the necessary legal authority for an arrest, nor does verification from a criminal record establish probable cause at the moment of arrest. Legal counsel's agreement is not required for an arrest to be legal; it is the officer’s responsibility to independently establish probable cause based on the facts and circumstances available to them at the time.