Which of the following is one of the five elements of an arrest?

• A. Authority
• B. Intent
• C. Force
• D. Custody

Answer: (C)

Understanding what makes an arrest legitimate hinges on recognizing the five elements that come together to actually seize and hold a person. In defensive tactics training, these elements are: authority to arrest, intent to arrest, custody (being in control of the person), communication (informing the person they are under arrest), and the use of force to effect the arrest. The use of force is the element that completes the arrest when needed, allowing the officer to physically restrain and secure the individual. Authority, intent, custody, and communication establish the frame of the arrest, but without the force component to secure control, the detention isn’t fully an arrest in situations where resistance or safety concerns require it.