Who has the authority to make an arrest?

The authority to make an arrest primarily lies with law enforcement officers, such as police officers, who are tasked with enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety of the community. These professionals undergo extensive training and are granted special legal powers that civilians and private individuals do not possess.

While merchants and civilians can detain individuals under certain circumstances—such as a merchant's right to detain suspected shoplifters for a reasonable amount of time until law enforcement arrives—this does not equate to having the full legal authority to arrest in the same way that police officers do. The difference lies in the scope and acceptance of legal powers granted to each group. Police officers operate under specific laws and regulations that provide them with the authority to arrest based on probable cause, while merchants and civilians must navigate a narrower set of circumstances.

Thus, law enforcement personnel have the most comprehensive authority concerning arrests, which makes them the correct focus for this question.