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Detention generally refers to a state or government holding a person in a particular area (generally called a detention centre), either for interrogation, as punishment for a wrong, or as a precautionary measure while that person is suspected of posing a potential threat.

The term can also be used in reference to the holding of property, for the same reasons. The process of detainment may or may not have been preceded with arrest. The prisoners in Guantánamo Bay are for example referred to as "detainees".

Any form of imprisonment can be called detention, although the term is associated with persons who are being held without warrant or charge.

The length of detention of suspected terrorists, with the justification of taking an action that would aid counter-terrorism, varies according to country or situation, as well as the laws which regulate it. The Terrorism Bill 2005 in the United Kingdom wishes to lengthen the current 14-day limit for detention without an arrest warrant or an indictment. This is unorthodox, as regular criminal law requires law enforcement to have reasonable suspicion when detaining someone.

Indefinite detention of an individual occurs frequently in wartime under the laws of war, notably by United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

See also

• Detention of suspects
• Arbitrary arrest and detention
• Prison reform
• Restorative justice
• Immigration detention
• Defence Regulation 18B
• Security certificate