What defines the permissible duration of a detention?

• A. Indefinite detention with no suspicion.
• B. Detentions require probable cause to continue.
• C. A temporary restraint for investigation; duration must be reasonable and based on reasonable suspicion and the goals of the stop.
• D. Detentions may only occur inside a residence.

Answer: (C)

Detentions during a stop are limited in time by the purpose of the stop and the reasonable suspicion that justified it. A temporary restraint is allowed to investigate, but the duration must be reasonable for addressing the suspected situation and should be directly tied to what you’re trying to determine. If the reasonable suspicion is dispelled, the detention ends; if it escalates to probable cause, you may transition to an arrest, but you don’t sit idle waiting indefinitely. It’s also important to remember that detentions aren’t restricted to inside a residence; they can occur in public places.

Indefinite detention with no suspicion is not allowed because it violates the Fourth Amendment. Detentions are based on reasonable suspicion, not probable cause, for the initial stop; probable cause is typically needed to arrest. Detentions inside a residence only is incorrect because stops can occur outside, in public spaces.