Was Detained by the Police?

An officer's "brief and cursory" holding and questioning someone is a detention. An example is a cop stopping someone who is behaving suspiciously in order to ask a few questions. The suspect isn't free to leave, but he also isn't under arrest, at least until the officer develops probable cause.

What does being detained by the police mean?

If you are being detained, this means they do not have evidence to officially arrest you. If you are being arrested, you have the legal right to know why you are being arrested.

What do you say when detained by police?

What to do if you are arrested or detained. Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't give any explanations or excuses. Don't say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.