What should an officer show to the arrestee if requested during an arrest?

An officer should show the arrest warrant to the arrestee if it is requested during an arrest. An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody. Displaying the warrant provides the arrestee with assurance that the arrest is being conducted lawfully and under proper authority. This transparency is crucial for the integrity of the arrest process and helps uphold the principles of due process.

While there are other important items that officers often carry, such as their badge to identify themselves as law enforcement and the Miranda rights document, these do not serve the same purpose as an arrest warrant when an arrestee requests documentation of the legal basis for their apprehension. Similarly, a court summons does not pertain to the immediate action of arrest; instead, it is a notice for a person to appear in court at a later date.