Arrest Necessity
A quick reference for the arrest necessity test and IDCOPPLAN mnemonic.
Legal Arrest Necessity Test
As per S24 PACE, if a constable has reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence has been committed, they may arrest without warrant someone suspected to be guilty. They must also reasonably believe arrest is necessary for one of the reasons below.
Necessity Grounds
Allow a prompt and effective investigation
Prevent causing physical injury to themself or another
Prevent suffering physical injury
Prevent loss of or damage to property
Protect a child or vulnerable person
Ascertain a person's name
Ascertain a person's address
Prevent an offence against public decency
Prevent causing an unlawful highway obstruction
Prevent disappearance of suspect
IDCOPPLAN Mnemonic
Common memory aid for the necessity criteria.
I - Investigation
D - Disappearance
C - Child or vulnerable person
O - Obstruction of highway
P - Physical injury
P - Public decency
L - Loss or damage to property
A - Address
N - Name