What does Section 494(1) of the Criminal Code allow anyone to do?

Section 494(1) of the Criminal Code allows individuals to make an arrest for an indictable offence. This section is particularly important because it empowers any person—not just peace officers—to act in situations where a serious crime has been committed or is in progress.

The focus on indictable offences highlights the severity of the crimes addressed under this section, allowing citizens to intervene and potentially apprehend suspects to ensure the safety and security of the community. Such provisions are essential for encouraging public involvement in the enforcement of law, particularly in urgent situations where law enforcement may not be immediately available.

When considering the other options, it's important to recognize that while summary conviction offences and provincial offences are part of the legal system, they do not fall under the same level of urgency or severity as indictable offences. Therefore, Section 494(1) specifically targets more serious criminal activity that necessitates broader authority for apprehending offenders.