What does probable cause require from an officer when making an arrest?

Probable cause requires an officer to have knowledge based on facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed and that the individual to be arrested is involved in that crime. This standard is higher than reasonable suspicion, which only requires a minimal level of suspicion. Probable cause is established through various forms of credible evidence, such as observations made by the officer, reliable witness accounts, physical evidence, or other pertinent information that suggests the suspect's involvement in criminal activity.

This threshold is critical because it helps safeguard individuals against arbitrary arrests and ensures that law enforcement actions are based on objective and articulable facts rather than mere assumptions or prejudices. In essence, an officer's reliance on concrete facts and circumstances serves to uphold the legal standards necessary for a lawful arrest.