Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What is described as a Level 1 stop?

1. Mandatory interrogation

2. Voluntary encounters, free to leave

3. High-risk traffic stops

4. Random checks for contraband

The correct answer is: Voluntary encounters, free to leave

A Level 1 stop is characterized by voluntary encounters, where individuals are free to leave at any time. This type of stop does not involve any deprivation of liberty or the imposition of authority. Law enforcement officers may engage individuals to ask questions or gather information, but the encounter is consensual. The individual is not detained, and they can choose to walk away if they wish, making it a non-coercive interaction. In contrast, the other options represent different levels of police encounters. Mandatory interrogation signals a scenario where the individual is compelled to respond, reflecting a higher level of authority. High-risk traffic stops involve significant risk and often require officers to use forceful tactics, characterized as Level 2 or above stops since they entail a higher level of control and authority. Random checks for contraband typically suggest a more invasive search that likely exceeds the voluntary nature of a Level 1 stop. Thus, the description of a Level 1 stop aligns directly with the concept of voluntary encounters where individuals maintain the freedom to leave.