What can limit the authority of police during an investigative stop?

The authority of police during an investigative stop, also known as a Terry stop, is primarily limited by the duration and scope of questioning. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, which implies that police are only allowed to detain a person for a limited time and under specific circumstances.

During an investigative stop, officers are permitted to briefly detain individuals based on reasonable suspicion that they may be involved in criminal activity. However, this stop must be conducted in a manner that is appropriate to the circumstances that justified the stop in the first place. If the duration of the stop becomes excessively long or if the questioning strays beyond what is necessary to confirm or dispel their suspicion, it may be deemed unlawful.

The length of time and the manner in which police engage with the suspect must remain reasonable to avoid violating constitutional protections. This means that prolonged questioning or invasive searches not justified by the initial suspicion can lead to the stop being considered unconstitutional, thus limiting the authority of the police officers involved.

Other factors such as the physical appearance of the suspect, the officer's training and experience, or evidence of prior criminal activity do not directly affect the legality of the investigative stop in the same fundamental manner. While they may inform an officer's judgment