In many jurisdictions, what triggers a domestic violence arrest under mandatory arrest policies?

• A. The officer should arrest only after requiring a warrant.
• B. Probable cause or evidence of DV leads to arrest.
• C. Arrest is optional and at the officer's discretion in every DV case.
• D. Protective orders replace arrest in DV cases.

Answer: (B)

In mandatory arrest policies, the trigger is the presence of probable cause or evidence that a domestic violence offense occurred. When on scene an officer has information that would lead a reasonable person to believe a DV crime has taken place and the suspect is involved, the policy requires the officer to arrest. This approach aims to promptly remove the threat, protect victims, and hold offenders accountable, rather than leaving it to discretionary decisions after the fact.

Warrants are a separate step and not the trigger for the on-scene arrest under these policies. The officer can make the arrest based on probable cause and then pursue any necessary warrants for further proceedings. The idea that arrest is optional contradicts the mandatory framework. Protective orders aren’t themselves the trigger for arrest; violations of a protective order can lead to arrest if the underlying crime or violation is supported by probable cause, but the existence of a protective order alone does not automatically compel an arrest.