What is permitted under a Terry Stop?

During a Terry Stop, law enforcement officers have the authority to conduct a brief, investigatory detention of an individual based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. This allows them to ask questions that are relevant to establishing the person's identity and intentions, such as their name, address, destination, and purpose for being in a certain area. The goal is to gather enough information to either confirm or dispel the officer's suspicions without conducting a full arrest or search at that moment.

This interaction is intended to be limited and focused, allowing officers to assess the situation without overstepping their bounds. While there may be circumstances that allow officers to request identification or inquire about a person's presence in an area, they are not permitted to conduct a full search merely based on reasonable suspicion. This principle maintains the balance between effective law enforcement and individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.