Explanatory Information

If the police have a "founded suspicion" that criminal activity may be occurring, they may ask you more incriminating and accusatory questions. The law requires that the greater the intrusion of the police into your privacy, the more cause the police must demonstrate to justify the intrusion. For example, if the police have a "founded suspicion" that you may possess stolen property, they might ask you, "What do you have in your bag?"
 
NOTE: Police can ask you questions like anyone else; however, you do not have to respond. You have the right not to stop or to answer questions a police officer may ask you. HOWEVER, non-responsiveness usually leads to an escalation of the confrontation. It is wise to ask the officer if you are free to go. The officer is NOT allowed to detain you or use force to restrain you at this level. If the police officer does make it clear that you are not free to leave, the encounter has reached the next level.