What is required if a person is arrested without a warrant?

When a person is arrested without a warrant, the law mandates that they must be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. This requirement ensures that the individual has the opportunity to appear before a judicial authority who can determine the legality of the arrest and decide on matters such as bail or future court dates. This process is important for safeguarding individual rights and ensuring due process, as it prevents prolonged detention without judicial oversight. The principle behind this requirement is to uphold the justice system's integrity and protect citizens from unlawful confinement.

In contrast, the other options do not align with legal protocols. Releasing the individual immediately without judicial review would compromise the legal processes intended to assess the legitimacy of the arrest. Transporting the person to the officer's precinct does not fulfill the legal obligation to present them to a magistrate. Signing an acknowledgment form is not a standard part of the procedure following an arrest without a warrant. Thus, the requirement to present the arrested individual to a magistrate is essential for ensuring that the arrest was conducted lawfully and that the rights of the individual are upheld.