being detained...

I have friend who was recently the victim of a fishing expedition during a stop by the local highway patrol. While I have much admiration for the boys in blue, man did they have it wrong this time. When my friend ask, " Am I under arrest or am I free to go ?", one of the officers snapped the braclets on him and stated, "Niether, I'm conducting an investigation and your being detained." Please advise what the proper response in this situation would be.


Many thanks in advance.

Absolutely nothing illegal was found. He was cutting through a bad nieghborhood trying to quickly get to the throughway in the early morning hours in an attempt to get an early start on his weekend fishing trip. He is a CCW holder and presented his documents along with his license as is required in my state, even though he was not carrying at the time. He was taken out of the car and his car was searched, for what he still doesnt know. After he repacked his gear he said the officers were talking among themselves out of earshot and he said they stangley seemed hesitant about letting him on his way. This is when he asked the initial question of the OP. Believe me, the most radical thing this guy may have had was a six pack of Coke or his Sunday school lesson to study before returning. After being detained about 15 minutes he said the officer uncuffed him, thanked him for his cooperation, and sent him on his way.

Navy LCDR
North Carolina requires both operating license and CCW presented in the event of a traffic stop and I believe this is regardless of whether you're actually carrying at the time or not.