What must a peace officer do to legally assert authority during an arrest?

To legally assert authority during an arrest, a peace officer must show identification or be in uniform. This requirement is based on the principle that individuals must be able to recognize that they are dealing with a law enforcement officer, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and maintaining order during an arrest. Identification or a uniform clearly establishes the officer's official status, distinguishing them from the general public and ensuring that individuals understand they are being approached or ordered to comply by someone with lawful authority.

While shouting for public attention, politely requesting compliance, or identifying their department may contribute to the context of the situation, they do not serve as the definitive means for an officer to establish legal authority. The primary means of asserting that authority is through visual cues such as identification badges or a uniform, which serve to validate the officer's position and role in the arrest.