When interacting with a suspected individual, what constitutes a detention?

A detention occurs when a law enforcement officer demonstrates authority that restricts an individual's freedom of movement. This could involve various actions such as verbal commands, physical barriers, or any other means that indicate to the individual that they are not free to leave. The key factor in a detention is that the individual feels their liberty is constrained, even if they have not been formally arrested.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define a detention. A verbal warning may indicate that the officer is addressing a situation, but it does not inherently limit the individual's movement. Questioning alone does not constitute a detention since the questioned individual may not feel restrained or compelled to stay. Similarly, a request for consent to search may be made under circumstances that do not involve any limitation on movement; the individual could choose to decline the request and walk away. Therefore, the correct characterization of a detention lies in the display of authority that explicitly or implicitly restricts the individual's mobility.