Significant facts about consensual encounters

Consensual encounters include situations where the police’s conduct would lead a reasonable person to believe they are free to leave or terminate the encounter. Any person must not be restraint nor be exerted any authority by an officer. It is said that consensual encounters are the least understood of police interactions. This requires least or minimal police contact. Though minimal contact is required, this does not mean that officers cannot make requests. The distinguishing factor in a consensual encounter is that a reasonable person believes that he has the right to leave any time and refuse questions posed by the officers.