Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

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What is considered a reasonable time frame for investigatory detention?

10-15 minutes
20-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
60 minutes

The correct answer is: 20-30 minutes

A reasonable time frame for investigatory detention is typically recognized as being between 20 to 30 minutes. This duration is based on judicial interpretations that establish the limits of a Terry stop, which allows law enforcement officers to briefly detain a person based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. During this time, officers are allowed to ask questions and conduct a limited investigation to confirm or dispel their suspicions. The benchmark of 20 to 30 minutes provides a balance between the need for effective law enforcement and the protection of individual rights. The context of this timeframe emphasizes the importance of ensuring that police actions remain reasonable and not overly intrusive. If an investigatory stop exceeds this period without further development of probable cause, it could be deemed unconstitutional. The other options, while suggesting durations longer than generally accepted for investigatory purposes, stray from this established guideline.