How to Arrest Suspects | The Precinct Guide

Image Credits: Fallen Tree Games Ltd, The Precinct

Making arrests in The Precinct is a bit more than just slapping cuffs on the nearest NPC. You’ve got to follow proper procedure if you want the arrest to stick, avoid XP penalties, and actually bring someone in.

Here’s how to arrest suspects the right way, and fast.

Read More: The Precinct Tips and Tricks

Step 1: Break Their Will (a.k.a. the Resistance Meter)

Before you can restrain a suspect, you’ve got to drop their Resistance Meter (the little blue bar over their head). Here’s how:

• Use Voice Commands (Square on PS5, X on Xbox) to pressure them into giving up

• If they’re stubborn, tackle them when close enough

• Still running? Let your stun gun or baton convince them to stop
  Once that blue bar hits zero, they’ll surrender and you can approach them.

Step 2: Restrain Them (Don’t Skip the Rights)

After they surrender, walk up and hit the Restrain prompt. This locks them down, but don’t forget:

• You must read them their rights (you’ll get a prompt for it)

• Skipping this step won’t stop the arrest, but it will cut your XP gain and possibly trigger penalties

Step 3: Investigate Before You Resolve

Now that they’re restrained:

• Check their ID for warrants

• Search their person for illegal items

• If they’re near a vehicle, search the trunk too (you might find extra charges waiting)

  The more you can pin on them, the more XP you’ll earn—as long as it’s accurate.

Step 4: Resolve the Crime and Arrest

With everything documented, go to the Resolve prompt. That will finalize the incident and unlock the Arrest Suspect option.

• You’ll now have to decide what to do with them next

Step 5: Choose How to Transport the Suspect

After arresting, you can:

• Escort them yourself, either on foot or in your patrol car

• Call for an Escort Unit to come pick them up (good if you're in the middle of chaos)
  Both methods work, but doing it yourself often gives more XP, especially if you handle everything cleanly.

Bonus Tips

• Always follow procedure… Cutting corners can cost you XP or trigger arrest bugs

• Watch for false charges… Each wrong offense = -50 XP

• Use Voice Commands before tackling when possible, for a cleaner arrest

• Keep your eyes open… Some NPCs surrender even if they weren’t called in. Investigate them anyway

Final Blurb

In The Precinct, being a good cop is how you earn more XP and rank up faster. Arrests are not just takedowns. Do it right, document everything, and walk them through the system like the procedural powerhouse you are. Rookie mistakes lose points, but clean arrests? That’s where the money is.

FAQ

Q: What’s the Resistance Meter for?
It shows how close a suspect is to giving up. Lower it with voice commands or force if needed.

Q: Do I have to read suspects their rights?
Yes, if you want max XP. Skipping it can reduce your rewards.

Q: Can I call in backup to arrest someone?
You can call an Escort Unit after arresting them, but you must restrain and process the suspect first yourself.

Q: What if I charge them with the wrong offense?
You’ll lose 50 XP per incorrect charge. Only charge what you can prove through ID, items, or behavior.

Q: Is it better to escort suspects yourself or call a unit?
Escorting them yourself often gives more XP, especially if you stay clean during the transport.

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