Arrest Without Warrant

PACE 1984, s.24

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

A constable may arrest without a warrant anyone who is about to commit, is committing, or has committed an offence, or anyone whom the constable has reasonable grounds to suspect is about to commit, is committing, or has committed an offence. The arrest must be necessary for one of the reasons set out in s.24(5).

Conditions

Person is about to commit, is committing, or has committed an offence; or the constable has reasonable grounds to suspect this
The arrest must be necessary for one of the reasons in s.24(5): for example, to prevent causing physical injury, to prevent disappearance, for investigation, or because name or address cannot be ascertained

Limitations

Two-stage test: reasonable grounds to suspect + necessity
Not every offence justifies arrest: the necessity test must be satisfied separately
Caution must be given on arrest unless impracticable

Last updated 1 April 2026