What must a peace officer do upon witnessing a crime?

A peace officer witnessing a crime has a duty to take immediate action to ensure public safety and uphold the law. When an officer witnesses a crime, they are authorized to arrest the offender without a warrant if certain conditions specified by law are met. This is in line with Texas law, which grants peace officers the authority to make arrests in situations where a crime is committed in their presence or view.

This immediate intervention is not only critical for enforcing the law but also helps to deter further criminal activity, protect potential victims, and maintain order. The authority to make a warrantless arrest is a fundamental aspect of a peace officer’s responsibilities, reflecting the urgency and necessity of responding to crimes as they occur.

The other actions related to filing a report at the end of a shift, calling for backup, or informing a supervisor are not adequate responses to witnessing a crime in real time. While those actions might be important in different contexts, they would typically occur after the immediate need to address the crime has been fulfilled. Therefore, the correct response must prioritize the requirement for immediate action, such as making an arrest in cases where the law allows for it.