If a victim signs a complaint for theft but the officer does not obtain it before acting, what can the officer do?

The correct approach allows the officer to proceed with an arrest if they have reasonable suspicion that a theft has occurred, despite not having the signed complaint in hand. In situations where a crime is reported, law enforcement officers are often trained to act on their observations and the information available to them, which may include the victim's account of the incident and evidence that supports the suspicion of wrongdoing.

In the context of law enforcement, reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that allows an officer to detain an individual or take action based on observed behavior or reported events that suggest a crime may have taken place. These immediate actions can help prevent further criminal activity, protect the victim, and ensure that potential evidence is preserved.

Waiting for a signed complaint before taking action can delay necessary intervention, potentially allowing the suspect to flee or commit further crimes, which is why the officer has the discretion to act based on the circumstances at hand.