During which encounter is a subject considered free to leave at any time?

In the context of encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals, an accosting refers to a situation where a police officer approaches an individual in a non-threatening manner to ask questions or gather information. During an accosting, the individual is generally considered free to leave at any time. This is because the interaction does not involve any coercive tactics or give the impression that the person is not free to walk away.

In contrast, other encounters, such as investigative stops or Terry stops, involve a reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity, which can restrict the individual's freedom of movement. An arrest involves a situation where there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, leading to a more definitive detention of the individual.

Therefore, the nature of the accosting allows for a voluntary interaction, preserving the individual’s autonomy to leave whenever they choose. This distinction in the level of authority and the surrounding circumstances is critical in understanding the legal implications of each type of encounter.