What is the primary reason for making an arrest in the interest of an individual or others?

Making an arrest primarily in the interest of an individual or others relates to ensuring safety and welfare. This serves as a foundational principle in policing, emphasizing the duty of law enforcement to protect individuals and the public from harm.

When law enforcement officers determine that a person poses a risk to themselves—such as in cases of self-harm or mental health crises—or to others, they may take action to prevent potential harm through arrest. This is consistent with the obligation of police to uphold public safety and to intervene in situations where an individual's conduct is dangerous.

In contrast, while considerations like the nature and seriousness of a crime, the use of cautions, or issuing fixed penalty notices are important in the context of law enforcement and legal processes, they do not primarily focus on immediate safety concerns. Therefore, the emphasis on safety or welfare as the driving reason for arrest is crucial in protecting the rights and lives of individuals in precarious situations. This alignment with core policing values underscores why safety or welfare is the correct choice in this context.