by 
The Curious Bag
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It is indeed true that in many states you can make a citizen's arrest of a criminal. There are some rules to the procedure, but the common citizen can arrest and detain a person until the authorities arrive on the scene.
Requirements
In order to make a citizen's arrest, you must see the crime take place and accurately identify the perpetrator. This ensures that you are arresting the right person.
Judge's Arrest
In some states like Washington, a district court judge can order a citizen's arrest made if that judge witnesses a crime being committed. The judge can them detain the person.
Arresting Felons
Citizen's arrest is especially valid when the criminal is in the process of committing a felony. Such crimes are murder, burglary, assault and any crime that endangers the life of another person.
Warning
Apprehending a felon or any other criminal is not easy; no one will go willingly into anyone's custody. Trying to enforce a citizen's arrest can thus be a dangerous endeavor.
Aiding Law Enforcement
A private citizen can make a citizen's arrest in an effort to assist an officer of the law. However, if you get in the way of the officer in the process, you could incur a charge of interfering with an arrest.
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