How long can an individual be held during an immediate detention?

An individual can be held during an immediate detention for a period of up to 24 hours. This timeframe is established to balance the necessity of detaining an individual for assessment or intervention while providing limits to ensure rights and freedoms are protected. The 24-hour period allows law enforcement or relevant authorities sufficient time to evaluate the situation, gather necessary information, and determine if further action is warranted, such as filing charges or releasing the individual.

The other timeframes provided may exceed what is legally permissible for immediate detention, which can lead to violations of individual rights. Those durations are not aligned with the legal framework that governs how long a person can be detained without formal charges being brought against them.