Examples Of A Consensual Encounter

A Consensual Encounter is when an officer approaches the person for conversation and are free to not answer any questions. In a Consensual Encounter, the officer cannot detain someone without having “reasonable suspicion”. For Example, If an officer approaches you to say, “Hello” continuing on by asking what your name, address, or date of birth is; one may ask, “Am I Free to Leave?” If the officer says yes, the person could leave the conversation. The Plain View Doctrine is explained by an officer who has been given the right to be on the premises. The Official has the authorization to search and seizure anything in plain sight. The Law Enforcement Official can make arrests based on the evidence seen in “plain view” and can obtain a warrant