I believe billinaz is referring to local ticketing practices in Arizona. In many states, when people are issued tickets for misdemeanors in lieu of arrest, part of the language of the ticket they are given is a court bail document (the part you sign-- the promise to appear). So in essence, you are temporarily in custody or "arrested" on the side of the road and then released on bail your own recognizance. The police officer acts as the court officer. More significantly, it generates an arrest record as if you were taken to jail in certain states (but not in others). This could also be what billinaz is talking about. He should be our resident expert on Arizona LE.
Thank you very much for answering my inquiry; I do appreciate it ^