What is the primary purpose of a Terry stop?

• A. To obtain a search warrant
• B. To gather evidence for a longer arrest
• C. To allow temporary detention for questions when suspicion is reasonable
• D. To confiscate contraband without probable cause

Answer: (C)

A Terry stop is about giving an officer a brief, lawful chance to check out suspicious behavior without turning it into a full arrest. When an officer has reasonable suspicion—specific facts and rational inferences, not just a hunch—they may briefly detain the person to ask questions and, if needed for safety, conduct a quick, limited search for weapons. The key is that the detention is temporary and its scope is narrow, aimed at quickly resolving whether there is enough cause for further investigation or arrest. It’s not about obtaining a warrant, not about gathering evidence for a longer arrest, and not about seizing contraband without cause; any contraband found must be tied to a legitimate stop and the proper legal basis.