What actions may be taken during a detention procedure?

During a detention procedure, the primary goal is to briefly hold an individual for investigation to confirm whether they are involved in criminal activity. This timeframe allows law enforcement to verify if a crime has occurred and to gather necessary information through questioning. The essence of a detention is to assess the situation and determine whether further action, such as an arrest, is warranted.

Verifying the crime involves checking the circumstances surrounding the situation and evaluating any pertinent evidence, while questioning the individual provides officers with insights into their actions or whereabouts that may relate to the suspected offense.

Other actions, such as an immediate arrest, are typically reserved for situations where there is probable cause, whereas releasing witnesses does not align with the primary objectives of a detention procedure, which focuses on assessing a suspect rather than witness statements. A thorough property search is generally not permissible during a mere detention unless specific conditions justify it, such as consent or an exigent circumstance. Thus, the focus on verifying a crime and questioning aligns directly with the procedural goals of a lawful detention.