In which situation can an officer arrest a person for a minor misdemeanor instead of issuing a citation?

An officer can arrest a person for a minor misdemeanor rather than issuing a citation if the offender is deemed unsafe. This situation usually arises if the individual's behavior poses a threat to themselves, the officer, or the public. For example, if the offender is aggressive or appears to be under the influence, and there's a reasonable belief that the person may cause harm or further escalate the situation, the officer has the authority to make an arrest to ensure safety and control the environment.

In contrast, factors such as being late or simply looking suspicious are not sufficient grounds for arrest, as these do not inherently indicate that there is an immediate threat or concern that warrants taking someone into custody. Being agitated alone does not automatically lead to an arrest either, unless it is accompanied by behaviors that jeopardize safety. Thus, the emphasis is on the immediate risk and the officer's responsibility to maintain safety in potentially volatile situations.