What is Tier III in the hierarchy of permissible contacts?

In the hierarchy of permissible contacts, Tier III refers to arrests. This level represents the most formal and restrictive type of contact that law enforcement can have with an individual. An arrest involves the seizure of a person and requires probable cause that a crime has been committed or is being committed. This is a crucial aspect, as arrests come with significant legal implications and typically necessitate that officers follow specific legal standards and procedures.

Understanding Tier III as arrests is essential because it highlights the gravity of this level of police interaction compared to other tiers, such as voluntary contacts or traffic stops. For instance, Tier I (voluntary contacts) occurs when an officer engages with a person without any suspicion of criminal activity, and Tier II (investigatory stops) requires reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity but falls short of the probable cause required for an arrest.

Thus, recognizing that Tier III is specifically about arrests underscores the legal responsibilities and requirements placed on law enforcement when detaining individuals compared to lower tiers of contact.