What authority does a peace officer have if they develop probable cause that a criminal violation is about to occur without time to obtain a warrant?

A peace officer who develops probable cause to believe that a criminal violation is about to occur has the authority to make an arrest without having to obtain a warrant first. This is grounded in the principles of law that allow officers to act swiftly in response to imminent criminal activity to prevent harm or further violations. Probable cause establishes a reasonable belief based on facts or circumstances that a crime is being, or is about to be, committed, thus justifying the immediate action of arresting the suspect to maintain public safety.

While conducting a search could potentially be included under certain exigent circumstances, the primary authority granted in the context of imminent criminal activity is to arrest. The other choices—issuing a citation or calling for backup—do not directly address the immediacy and necessity of acting upon probable cause, as an arrest does. The ability to issue a citation is typically reserved for more minor offenses or infractions where immediate risk is not present, and calling for backup, while often prudent, does not embody the direct action allowed when probable cause is established.