An interaction where LEOs do NOT exert authority and walk away is authorized?

• A. Mere/Consensual Encounter
• B. Investigative Stop
• C. Detention
• D. Arrest

Answer: (A)

The main concept is the different levels of police-civilian interactions and whether the person is free to leave. In a mere or consensual encounter, there is no coercion and no attempt to detain; officers may approach and ask questions, but you are free to walk away at any time and aren’t required to answer. Because there’s no authority exerted and no restraint on movement, this interaction is authorized even without any suspicion. In contrast, an investigative stop or detention involves some degree of authority and restrictions on your freedom to move, justified by reasonable suspicion. An arrest is a formal seizure with probable cause and custody. So the described interaction matches a mere/consensual encounter.