During a consensual encounter, which statements are true?

During a consensual encounter, which statements are true?

• A. There must be no intrusion on the subject's freedom
• B. The subject must remain free to disregard the officer
• C. Both statements are true
• D. There must be no interaction with the officer

Answer: (C)

A consensual encounter is a voluntary, non-coercive interaction where the person is not seized by the police. Because there is no seizure, there is no intrusion on the subject’s freedom, and the person is free to disregard or walk away at any time. Interaction is allowed, but only with the subject’s consent and participation, so talking or answering questions is voluntary. Since both conditions are met in a consensual encounter, the statements that there must be no intrusion on freedom and that the subject must remain free to disregard the officer are true.

A consensual encounter is a voluntary, non-coercive interaction where the person is not seized by the police. Because there is no seizure, there is no intrusion on the subject’s freedom, and the person is free to disregard or walk away at any time. Interaction is allowed, but only with the subject’s consent and participation, so talking or answering questions is voluntary. Since both conditions are met in a consensual encounter, the statements that there must be no intrusion on freedom and that the subject must remain free to disregard the officer are true.