The three stages of encounters are which sequence?

• A. Contact, Processing, Exit
• B. Approach, Detention, Release
• C. Initiate, Interrogate, Resolve
• D. Start, Manage, End

Answer: (A)

Encounters unfold in a three-phase sequence: contact, processing, exit. Contact is where the officer first makes the interaction—observing, communicating, and setting the tone for what happens next. Processing is the information-gathering and decision-making part: verifying identity, checking for warrants or outstanding issues, evaluating safety, and deciding whether to detain, cite, or release. This phase is where actions are justified and proportional to what’s found, helping ensure the encounter stays within law and policy. Exit is the conclusion of the interaction, ending with release, a citation, or transport if necessary. The flow provides a clear, orderly progression for how an encounter develops and ends; other descriptions either jump ahead to outcomes or describe isolated steps, which don’t reflect the typical sequence.