When an off-duty arrest is made, what is an officer required to inform the arrestee?

When an off-duty arrest is made, the officer is required to inform the arrestee about their authority. This communication is important for a few reasons. It clarifies to the arrestee that the individual conducting the arrest is a law enforcement official, which is essential in ensuring the arrest is understood to be lawful and properly executed. Providing the information about their authority helps to establish the officer's legitimacy and the context of the situation to both the arrestee and any witnesses present.

Informing the arrestee about their authority is also critical in maintaining order during the arrest and ensuring that the arrestee understands that they are being taken into custody by a person who has the legal right to do so. This can help to defuse potential confusion or hostility that may arise during the interaction. In contrast, the other options involve information that is not mandatory for the officer to disclose at the moment of arrest.