What should an officer do if an arrest occurs without an issued warrant?

When an officer makes an arrest without a warrant, it is crucial to take the arrested individual before a judicial official without unnecessary delay. This is based on the principle that an individual has a right to be brought before a court promptly to determine the legality of their detention. The law typically requires that anyone who has been arrested must be taken before a magistrate or judge as soon as practicable, allowing the court to assess the circumstances of the arrest and whether continued detention is justified. This process upholds the rights of the arrested individual and the judicial system’s integrity, ensuring that the due process is followed.

The other choices do not fulfill legal obligations or provide the necessary protection for the rights of the arrested individual. Releasing the individual immediately does not align with the duty to uphold the law and may compromise public safety. Informing the family could be appropriate after the individual has been processed correctly but does not address the immediate legal requirement of bringing the individual before a judicial authority. Contacting a superior officer, while potentially useful for guidance or support, is not a substitute for the critical step of presenting the arrested person to a judicial official quickly.