A victim's request does not determine whether an offender is arrested if probable cause exists. True or false?

• A. True
• B. Only in certain jurisdictions
• C. False
• D. Depends on the officer's discretion

Answer: (C)

Probable cause is the standard officers use to justify an arrest; it requires a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. A victim’s request or preference does not by itself create probable cause, and arrest can be made based on that objective standard even if the victim does not want the offender arrested. However, in certain jurisdictions and under specific laws or departmental policies—such as mandatory arrest rules in domestic violence cases—the victim’s report or request can influence the decision and might require or strongly guide an arrest regardless of a preference not to pursue charges. Because these exceptions exist, the statement isn’t universally true, so it’s considered false in contexts where those rules apply.