Why might an officer choose to book a person instead of issuing a citation?

An officer might choose to book a person instead of issuing a citation primarily because the violator has a prior arrest record. This decision is often based on the assessment of the individual’s history and the potential for repeat offenses. Having a prior arrest record can indicate that the person may not respond favorably to a citation, as they could be considered a higher risk for future violations.

Booking allows the officer to ensure that the individual is held accountable in a way that a citation may not enforce, especially if the past behavior suggests that citations alone have previously failed to deter unlawful conduct. This approach is aligned with maintaining public safety and ensuring compliance with the law, especially when the violator's history raises concerns about their reliability in adhering to the conditions of a citation.

The other options, while they may present scenarios that could influence an officer's decision, do not directly align with the primary rationale for choosing to book an individual.