Temporary detention terminology

Temporary detention terminology

• A. Permanent seizure.
• B. Investigative detention.
• C. Arrest.
• D. Stop and frisk.

Answer: (B)

Temporary detention is a brief, non-custodial hold used by police to investigate possible criminal activity. The appropriate term for this situation is investigative detention: it is lawful when based on reasonable suspicion, allows a short detention and questioning, and can include a limited search for weapons, with the person free to go if nothing further is found. This differs from an arrest, which implies custody and probable cause, and from permanent seizure, which involves taking something away permanently. Stop and frisk is a specific maneuver within investigative detention—a quick pat-down to check for weapons—rather than the general concept of the temporary detention itself.

Temporary detention is a brief, non-custodial hold used by police to investigate possible criminal activity. The appropriate term for this situation is investigative detention: it is lawful when based on reasonable suspicion, allows a short detention and questioning, and can include a limited search for weapons, with the person free to go if nothing further is found. This differs from an arrest, which implies custody and probable cause, and from permanent seizure, which involves taking something away permanently. Stop and frisk is a specific maneuver within investigative detention—a quick pat-down to check for weapons—rather than the general concept of the temporary detention itself.