Can a peace officer arrest a person engaged in a riot without a warrant?

A peace officer can arrest a person engaged in a riot without a warrant due to the nature of the offense and the urgency of the situation. In many jurisdictions, laws allow law enforcement officers to act without a warrant when they are witnessing a crime in progress or have probable cause to believe that an immediate response is necessary to prevent further harm.

In the case of a riot, the chaos and potential danger to the public necessitate quick action by police to restore order and protect individuals from harm. The legal framework typically supports warrantless arrests in such scenarios as a means to maintain public safety and order. This principle aligns with the idea that law enforcement must have the tools necessary to respond effectively to civil disturbances or violent confrontations.

The alternate choice would imply that a warrant is always required for arrests, which does not account for the exception made for certain urgent situations where public safety is at risk.