Can a police officer arrest a person who cannot satisfactorily produce proof of identity?

A police officer has the authority to arrest a person who is unable to satisfactorily produce proof of identity, particularly if the officer has reasonable suspicion or probable cause that the individual has committed a crime or is involved in criminal activity. The inability to provide identification can raise suspicions and lead officers to believe that further investigation is warranted.

In many jurisdictions, laws permit law enforcement to take individuals into custody for the purpose of establishing their identity if they cannot prove it at the time. This mechanism serves to uphold public safety and allows officers to confirm whether the individual has any outstanding warrants or is involved in illegal activities.

Other options imply limitations on the police's discretion or only apply in specific circumstances, which do not accurately reflect the broader authority granted to officers in situations where identification is lacking. The ability to arrest in this context isn't restricted solely to cases involving felonies, nor does it depend on the age of the individual involved.