North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which type of traffic apprehension involves physically taking a suspect into custody?

1. Citation

2. Written warning

3. Physical arrest

4. Verbal warning

The correct answer is: Physical arrest

The type of traffic apprehension that involves physically taking a suspect into custody is a physical arrest. This action typically occurs when an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a traffic law has been violated in a manner that warrants more than just a citation or warning. In circumstances where an officer believes a suspect poses a danger to themselves or others, or if the violation is severe, the officer can initiate a physical arrest. This process involves the officer using their authority to detain the suspect and potentially transport them to a law enforcement facility for processing, providing a legal account and potential consequences for the violation. Other choices, such as citation, written warning, and verbal warning, do not involve physical custody of the suspect. Citations are issued for certain traffic violations as a means of holding individuals accountable without arresting them. Written and verbal warnings serve as informal ways to address minor infractions and encourage compliance with traffic laws without resorting to custody.