If you obtain written consent to search an apartment and the occupant withdraws consent, what must you do?

If you obtain written consent to search an apartment and the occupant withdraws consent, what must you do?

• A. Continue the search
• B. Stop and search
• C. Consult a supervisor
• D. Contact the occupant's attorney

Answer: (B)

Consent to search must be voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. When the occupant revokes that consent, you lose authority to continue the search based on it. The search should stop unless you have another lawful basis to proceed—such as obtaining a warrant or you’re in a situation with exigent circumstances or probable cause that justifies a search without consent. So, you must halt the search in this scenario. If you’re unsure whether another basis exists, you can check with a supervisor, but contacting the occupant’s attorney isn’t required just because consent was withdrawn.

Consent to search must be voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. When the occupant revokes that consent, you lose authority to continue the search based on it. The search should stop unless you have another lawful basis to proceed—such as obtaining a warrant or you’re in a situation with exigent circumstances or probable cause that justifies a search without consent. So, you must halt the search in this scenario. If you’re unsure whether another basis exists, you can check with a supervisor, but contacting the occupant’s attorney isn’t required just because consent was withdrawn.