What is a 'Terry stop' and what constitutional standard permits it?

• A. A brief detention based on reasonable suspicion to investigate possible criminal activity.
• B. A long-term detention based on probable cause.
• C. A vehicle search without consent.
• D. A request for consent without any detention.

Answer: (B)

A Terry stop is a brief detention allowed when an officer has reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity. This standard comes from the Fourth Amendment and the Supreme Court decision Terry v. Ohio. The key idea is that the stop is temporary and focused on quickly confirming or dispelling the suspicion; it isn’t a full-blown arrest, which would require probable cause. If the officer reasonably suspects the person is armed, a quick frisk for weapons may follow during the stop. Longer detention or actions like a search would require a stronger basis, such as probable cause or consent, respectively.