In a domestic violence incident, when is an officer not held liable for false arrest?

The correct choice is based on the precedent set by the case Wildoner v. Borough of Ramsey. This case established important principles regarding the responsibility of officers in domestic violence situations, particularly concerning the standards for making arrests. In this case, the court ruled that if an officer makes an arrest in good faith and based on probable cause—such as reasonable belief that a crime has been committed—they are typically protected from liability for false arrest.

In essence, when officers act in accordance with established legal principles, using their discretion based on the circumstances they face, they can operate without fear of being held liable for false arrest. The ruling underscores the importance of considering the immediate context of the situation, and the guiding laws that inform their actions.

Other options do not provide the same level of legal protection. For instance, the presence or absence of a suspect or physical evidence can complicate a situation but does not inherently protect an officer from liability. Similarly, a valid warrant is important, but the key aspect in this context is the application of legal standards established by relevant case law, such as Wildoner v. Borough of Ramsey, which offers broader protections based on the officer's adherence to policies and protocols.