Which of the following best describes a Terry stop and what justifies it?

• A. A brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, with the possibility of a protective frisk for weapons.
• B. A full arrest based on probable cause.
• C. A vehicle search without warrant due to probable cause.
• D. A noncustodial interview with a suspect.

Answer: (A)

A Terry stop is a brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot, with the possibility of a protective frisk for weapons if the officer reasonably believes the person is armed and dangerous. This captures the essence of why it’s justified: the stop is temporary and focused on quickly verifying or dispelling the suspicion, and the frisk is limited to checking for weapons when danger is suspected. The other scenarios require more than reasonable suspicion: a full arrest requires probable cause; a vehicle search without a warrant generally needs probable cause or another exception; and a noncustodial interview isn’t a detention at all.