# Am I being detained? Am I free to go?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-detained-am-i-free-to-go/667998>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 4, 2013, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-detained-am-i-free-to-go/667998 "2013-09-04T15:34:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 7

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**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2013, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-detained-am-i-free-to-go/667998/121 "2013-09-06T15:19:34Z")

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> [@FXMastermind](#):
>
> The question is about being “free to go”, in regards to the police. If a Mod tells you to stop (restrains your actions) it is completely different than if a regular poster says it.

> [@FXMastermind](#):
>
> In a situation where an officer detains somebody, legally, like as a witness at a crime scene or accident, asking “Am I free to go?”, or “Am I under arrest” is sort of a dick move. It forces an ordinary situation into a hostile interaction.
> 
> It can actually be considered a crime, depending on the cop.

**Moderator Warning**

In view of **Gary’s** previous post (#108), I am issuing you an official warning for failure to follow to a moderator’s instructions. Calling the questions a “dick move” or alleging that they force a hostile interaction are a matter of opinion and have nothing to do with the legal issues at hand.

I think the factual aspects of this have already been addressed. Anyone wishing to discuss the matter further is invited to open a new thread in Great Debates.

Colibri  
General Questions Moderator

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