What is a necessary condition for an officer to believe public intoxication requires an arrest?

For an officer to believe that public intoxication requires an arrest, it is essential that the individual in question is indeed intoxicated. This condition establishes the fundamental basis for addressing potential offenses related to public intoxication. Intoxication introduces a concern for the individual's welfare and that of the public, as it may impair the person's ability to function safely in the community.

While witness testimony, the presence of other campers, and the individual’s history of issues may provide additional context or influence an officer's decision-making, the core condition of intoxication must first be satisfied. An officer cannot act solely based on the surrounding circumstances or potential risks; the actual state of the individual’s intoxication is crucial for justifying an arrest for public intoxication.