What is the purpose of stop-and-identify statutes?

• A. To conduct general identity checks in all encounters.
• B. To verify a person's identity during a lawful detention with reasonable suspicion.
• C. To compel a confession during any stop.
• D. To authorize unwarranted detentions.

Answer: (C)

Stop-and-identify statutes allow officers to require a person who is lawfully stopped or detained on reasonable suspicion to provide identifying information. The main purpose is to verify who the person is and to help the investigation by linking information to that individual. It’s not about extracting a confession, nor does it authorize general identity checks in every encounter or permit detentions without a valid basis. The authority applies only when the stop itself is lawful, making identification one tool to facilitate policing, not a blanket power to detain or coerce.