What is the definition of investigative detainment?

Investigative detainment refers to a brief form of custody based on probable cause, allowing law enforcement to question individuals without formally arresting them. This practice is essential in law enforcement as it provides officers the authority to temporarily detain a person when they have reasonable belief that the individual is involved in criminal activity.

The key aspect of this definition is the requirement of probable cause, which means that the officer must have a legitimate reason to suspect that the detainee is connected to a crime. This contrasts with other options, which imply longer durations or different circumstances of holding individuals, such as long-term custody or immediate arrests, neither of which align with the specific nature and legal context of investigative detainment. By understanding this definition, law enforcement personnel can effectively balance public safety and individual rights during the course of an investigation.