SAPD Academy 23B Arrest Search & Seizure Practice Exam

A consensual encounter is a voluntary police-civilian interaction where no seizure occurs. The key point is that the person is free to leave at any time and is not detained. Because there’s no detention or coercive authority applied, the contact remains voluntary and no warrant is needed. The person retains their rights during such an encounter; the officer cannot compel answers or physical compliance. The other statements don’t fit because a warrant isn’t required for a consensual encounter, and the person does have rights and isn’t automatically told they’re free to leave repeatedly.