What is one consequence of unlawfully arresting an individual?

Unlawfully arresting an individual can lead to the creation of grounds for legal action against the police. This consequence arises from the violation of an individual's rights under both common law and statutory law, such as unlawful detention or lack of proper legal grounds for the arrest. When a person believes they have been unlawfully arrested, they may file a complaint against the police department or pursue civil litigation for damages resulting from the wrongful arrest. This can result in significant implications for the police force, including financial liability as well as damaging the department's reputation and integrity.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that are unlikely to follow from an unlawful arrest. Increased community trust in law enforcement would typically be linked to lawful and ethical practices, rather than actions that violate individuals' rights. Promoting public safety involves ensuring lawful and responsible actions by police, which would not be achieved through unlawful arrests. Lastly, fewer scrutinies on decisions regarding arrests would not align with the principles of accountability in law enforcement; unlawful practices usually lead to increased scrutiny rather than less. Thus, the option highlighting legal repercussions for police actions truly captures the gravity of unlawfully arresting an individual.