citizen's arrest

American  

noun

Law.

1. an arrest made by a private citizen whose authority derives from the fact of citizenship.

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citizen's arrest British  

noun

1. an arrest carried out by an ordinary member of the public rather than an officer of the law

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Etymology

Origin of citizen's arrest

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Under English and Welsh law, a citizen's arrest can only be used for an "indictable" offence - a serious crime tried at the Crown Court.

From BBC

The companies I speak to are clear that their staff can restrain somebody they suspect to be a criminal, only in the same way that any member of the public can, a power commonly known as a "citizen's arrest".

From BBC

In retrospect, I would’ve cheered, but I feel that might’ve interrupted the uncomfortable silence that fell upon the auditorium, maybe even sparked a citizen’s arrest, considering the scene's subject matter.

From Salon

A police spokesman told Dutch news site AD that people had to be careful making a citizen's arrest as most are "not trained" for such actions.

From BBC

He goes on to allege in the suit that the private security company “made a purported citizen’s arrest under false pretenses” and says he was he later detained by Los Angeles Police Department officers and escorted out of Crypto.com Arena.

From Los Angeles Times