What is a "Terry stop"?

A "Terry stop" refers to a brief detention and investigation conducted by law enforcement based on reasonable suspicion that a person may be involved in criminal activity. This concept is derived from the landmark Supreme Court case, Terry v. Ohio, which established that officers can stop and question a person without a warrant if they have a reasonable suspicion supported by articulable facts. This standard is lower than probable cause, which is required for an arrest.

During a Terry stop, officers may also conduct a limited frisk or pat-down of the outside clothing if they have a reasonable belief that the person may be armed and dangerous. The primary purpose of a Terry stop is to ensure the safety of the officers and the public while allowing law enforcement to take necessary steps to investigate suspicious behavior without the immediate need for a warrant.

The other options do not accurately describe a Terry stop: a formal arrest requires probable cause and often a warrant, a search without probable cause does not align with Fourth Amendment protections, and a user-initiated search does not pertain to law enforcement stops. Hence, the correct understanding of a Terry stop is essential for grasping how law enforcement operations align with constitutional standards regarding searches and seizures.