Which authority is addressed in Section 494 (1) of the Criminal Code?

Section 494 (1) of the Criminal Code specifically addresses the authority to arrest without a warrant. This provision allows individuals—particularly ordinary citizens—to apprehend someone they believe is committing an indictable offense or is in the act of fleeing from the commission of such an offense. This means that if a person sees a crime being committed or has reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has just occurred, they have the legal right to intervene and make an arrest.

This section empowers not just law enforcement officers but also private citizens to take action in preserving public order and safety, recognizing that immediate action may be necessary in certain situations to prevent further criminal activity. It establishes guidelines around the circumstances in which this authority can be exercised, emphasizing the need for the citizen’s belief that an offense is in progress.

Understanding this authority is crucial for anyone involved in security or law enforcement, as it delineates the limit of personal intervention in criminal activity, balancing citizens’ rights with the responsibilities of law enforcement. The other options do not accurately represent what Section 494 (1) addresses, making arrest authority the correct focus.