What gives police the power to arrest?

The power to arrest police officers derives from common law, which is a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. Under common law, certain principles dictate the authority that law enforcement has to detain or arrest individuals when there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. This legal foundation provides officers with the frameworks necessary to conduct their duties while ensuring the rights of individuals are observed.

Internal policies refer to the specific operational guidelines within a police department, but they must align with the overarching legal standards established by common law and statutory law. Community consensus might reflect societal attitudes towards policing and law enforcement actions, but it does not confer legal authority for arrest. Similarly, while a citizen's request for help is a valid reason for police to respond, it does not inherently grant them the power to arrest unless it aligns with the legal authority defined by common law principles.