Who can arrest based solely on probable cause?

The correct answer is that only police officers have the authority to make arrests based solely on probable cause. This reflects the legal standard for an arrest, where officers must have a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, or that a suspect is committing or about to commit a crime. Police officers are trained in the law and have the necessary authority granted to them by the state to enforce the law, including making arrests.

While private security professionals, civilians, and even trained security guards may have certain powers, they typically operate under different legal constraints. Private security professionals and security guards can detain individuals under specific circumstances, such as when they observe a crime being committed, but their authority does not extend to making arrests on the same level as police officers. Civilians can intervene in the case of a crime, often referred to as a citizen's arrest, but the legality and effectiveness of such actions can be complex and often require that they directly witness the crime. Hence, the authority to arrest based solely on probable cause is specifically reserved for police officers, ensuring that such actions are carried out within the framework of the law.