Originally Posted by Guest

An "on-view " arrest by a police officer is when that officer witnesses what they believe is a crime and makes an arrest. An arrest without a warrant. An example; I'm on patrol in a high crime area and I see a male running as hard as he can and carrying a purse in his hand. In the past I would have chased him down, cuffed him for my safety and checked the purse for ID. I would then attempt to locate the victim and get her story and go back to the station with my prisoner and completed the paperwork and charging documents . But now I would write a report on a suspicious condition and wait for a victim to call in a purse snatch or robbery. Why should I take a chance for the States Attorney to decide I had no probable cause and I get charged with false arrest, false imprisonment and assault. After all, its not illegal to run down the street and its not illegal for a man to carry a purse. Now, ill just be a kinder gentler cop. Be careful what you wish for.