Can a police officer detain someone without arresting them?
Yes. If an officer has reasonable suspicions to believe someone is committing a crime, a police officer can stop and detain that person for a limited time to confirm or deny his or her suspicions. If the officer has reasonable grounds to think someone is armed, he/she may conduct a limited pat-down search of the suspect’s outer clothing. Although the officer can question someone, that person has the right not to answer. But a refusal to identify themselves may give the officer grounds to arrest someone. Once the officer confirms or dispels their suspicions, he or she must either arrest you or let you go.
