What is a written request issued by a police officer instructing a person to appear?

The correct answer is that a written request issued by a police officer instructing a person to appear is referred to as a notice to appear. This term is used to describe a legal document that informs an individual of a requirement to appear in court, usually for minor offenses or infractions. It serves as an official notification that ensures the individual is aware of their obligation to appear before a judge at a specified time and location.

In this context, a notice to appear is typically less severe than other legal documents. For example, an arrest warrant is a document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest a person suspected of committing a crime, indicating a higher degree of legal action. Similarly, a citation is generally used to issue a fine or ticket for a minor violation, though it might not necessarily require a court appearance. A summons, while similar in that it commands an individual to appear in court, typically has a broader scope and can be used in various legal contexts beyond just minor infractions.

By understanding the distinctions between these terms, it becomes clear that the specific phrasing of "written request issued by a police officer instructing a person to appear" best fits the definition of a notice to appear.