Police typically do not have the authority to grant bail. Bail decisions are usually made by a judge or magistrate during a bail hearing or arraignment.

Police officers may have some discretion in determining whether to release an individual on their own recognizance or to detain them until they can appear before a judge. In cases where bail is required, the police may have the authority to set a temporary bail amount or make a recommendation to the court regarding the appropriate bail conditions based on the circumstances of the case.

The decision about whether to grant bail, the amount of bail, and any conditions attached to the bail are determined by the judge or magistrate based on factors such as the severity of the charges, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of flight or danger to the community.