During which circumstance can a correction officer arrest someone off-duty?

Prepare for the New York City Corrections Peace Officer Test. Review multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Get equipped for your exam success!

The correct answer is based on the legal authority that correction officers possess regarding making arrests. A correction officer can arrest someone off-duty primarily when they witness a felony being committed in their presence. This is grounded in the principle of "citizen's arrest," which allows individuals, including peace officers, to act when they directly observe a serious crime, such as a felony.

This authority is not restricted by the officer's attire; therefore, it does not matter whether they are in uniform or off-duty. In contrast, while traffic violations may require police intervention, they typically do not fall under the immediate authority for correction officers to make an arrest unless serious and evident circumstances apply. Witnessing a misdemeanor, although actionable under certain conditions, does not provide the same immediacy or level of authority for an arrest like a felony does. Hence, the key factor is the nature of the crime witnessed, solidifying why witnessing a felony provides that legal basis for off-duty arrest.

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