An officer's "brief and cursory" holding and questioning someone is a detention. ... Another common example is an officer pulling over a driver for some kind of traffic or equipment violation. An arrest, on the other hand, involves the police taking someone into custody through a more significant restraint on movement.

What does getting detained mean?

1 : to hold or keep in or as if in custody detained by the police for questioning. 2 obsolete : to keep back (something due) : withhold. 3 : to restrain especially from proceeding was detained by a flat tire. Other Words from detain Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About detain.

What happens when you are detained?

After arrest in NSW a person can be detained for a six-hour investigative period. This period can be lengthened by a warrant from the court for a further six hours. After the investigative period is up, the person must either be: ... Brought before the court as soon as practicable.