What is the result of a detention?

The result of a detention is that an individual is not under arrest but cannot leave. This is a crucial aspect of the concept of detention within law enforcement practices. During a lawful detention, an officer has a reasonable suspicion that a person has been, is, or will be involved in criminal activity. Consequently, while the individual is not formally arrested, they are temporarily restricted from leaving to allow the officer to conduct further inquiry.

This temporary restriction is still subject to reasonable limits, as the detention must not last longer than necessary to conduct the investigation. The individual’s freedom is limited, aligning with the legal framework for detentions that seeks to balance the individual's rights with the necessity for law enforcement to ensure public safety.