Which of the following best defines arrest?

The best definition of arrest is the legal authority to deprive someone of their freedom of movement. Arrest is a formal procedure where law enforcement officials take control of an individual, usually due to the suspect being suspected of committing a crime or being a threat to public safety. This action is executed under the legal framework that grants police officers and other authorized individuals the right to limit an individual's liberty.

This definition is crucial in the context of law enforcement because it establishes the legal basis for the action, ensuring that it is conducted in accordance with established laws and rights. An arrest signifies that the individual is no longer free to leave and is typically accompanied by a set of rights, including the right to be informed of the charges against them and the right to legal counsel.

In contrast, the other options reflect actions that may occur prior to or surrounding an arrest but do not encapsulate the legal and procedural definition of an arrest. Stopping someone due to suspicious behavior does not equate to an arrest unless there is legal justification. An official warning given to a suspect is a different procedural response, and requesting identification may be part of an interaction with a person of interest but does not constitute an arrest either.