Which of the following statements is not described as an outcome of investigative detentions?

• A. The detainee may be arrested if there is probable cause.
• B. The object may be permanently seized if there is probable cause to arrest the detainee.
• C. If neither apply and there is no sign of unlawful activity, the person or object must be released.
• D. The object must be released after a set period.

Answer: (D)

Investigative detention is a temporary, focused stop to quickly assess whether there is probable cause to arrest or to connect items to a crime. If there is probable cause to arrest the detainee, an arrest may be made, and items related to the case may be seized under that probable cause. If neither an arrest nor a seizure is warranted and there are no signs of unlawful activity, the person or object should be released promptly.

What isn’t described as an outcome is a mandatory set period after which the object must be released. There isn’t a fixed time limit for investigative detentions; the duration must be reasonable and tied to the goals of the investigation.