Under which circumstance is an officer NOT likely to issue a notice to appear?

The correct answer revolves around the concept of risk assessment during a police encounter. When a suspect poses a risk of flight, it typically means that they may not comply with legal requirements to appear in court. Officers must consider the likelihood that an individual will return for their court date, and if there is a belief that the suspect may evade justice, they may choose not to issue a notice to appear. Instead, they might opt for making an arrest to ensure that the individual can be processed through the criminal justice system effectively.

In contrast, for minor offenses, officers often find it appropriate to issue notices to appear, allowing the individual to address the matter without immediate incarceration. Certain traffic violations also lend themselves to notices to appear, as these offenses may not warrant arrest, particularly if the violator can be trusted to attend their court proceedings. Lastly, when alternative measures, such as diversion or community service, are more suitable than arrest, an officer may choose to issue a notice to appear rather than detaining the individual. Each of these other scenarios emphasizes compliance with legal processes and community-oriented policing, making them more conducive to the issuance of a notice to appear.