When is it appropriate to initiate a citizen's arrest?

Initiating a citizen's arrest is appropriate primarily when an individual witnesses a crime occurring in real-time and it is safe to intervene. This is grounded in the concept of taking immediate action to prevent further harm or to ensure that an alleged offender can be apprehended before they escape. The safety of the individual attempting the arrest is crucial; if the situation poses a risk to themselves or others, it may not be judicious to proceed.

This rationale emphasizes the importance of immediate knowledge of a crime and the necessity to act in a manner that does not escalate the situation further or endanger oneself or others. Engaging in a citizen's arrest based solely on suspicion, being prompted by law enforcement without clear misconduct, or addressing minor issues can complicate legal standings and lead to potential liability or confusion about the appropriateness of the action taken.