Stopping: Identify which type of contact is consensual contact (voluntary, no police power)?

• A. Investigative detention
• B. Arrest
• C. Terry stop
• D. Consensual contact

Answer: (D)

Consensual contact is a voluntary, non-coercive police-citizen encounter where no one is seized and the person is free to leave or end the interaction at any time. The officer doesn’t display authority in a way that restricts the person’s freedom, and the person can choose whether to speak or comply. In contrast, an investigative detention (Terry stop) is a seizure based on reasonable suspicion, and the person is not free to leave for the duration. An arrest is a seizure backed by probable cause and involves custody. Since the question asks for a contact that is voluntary and without police power, the term that fits is consensual contact.