Can a constable release an individual if there are no grounds for an arrest?

A constable has the authority to release an individual if there are no grounds for an arrest. This is based on the principle that law enforcement should not detain individuals without just cause. If a constable determines that the evidence or circumstances do not support a lawful arrest, they are obligated to respect the rights of the individual and can choose to release them. This upholds the legal standard that prevents wrongful arrest and protects individual liberties.

In contrast, other choices do not align with the legal framework governing constables’ actions. For instance, stating that a constable cannot release someone or is only permitted to do so after a warning or once the situation is resolved suggests that there is an assumption of guilt or an obligation to detain, which contradicts the necessity of having grounds for an arrest. Fundamental practices of law enforcement emphasize the need for reasonable suspicion or probable cause, ensuring individuals are treated fairly under the law.