What must happen during a Terry stop?

During a Terry stop, a brief detention must occur to confirm the officer's suspicions based on reasonable articulable facts. This concept stems from the precedent set in Terry v. Ohio, where the Supreme Court recognized that while individuals have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers may stop and briefly detain a person if they have specific, reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity.

The key element of a Terry stop is that it is temporary and investigative in nature, allowing officers to ask questions or perform a limited search for weapons to ensure their safety. The duration must be reasonable and not prolonged, thus distinguishing it from an arrest. This necessity for a brief detention serves the dual purpose of allowing police to verify their suspicions while also protecting the individual’s constitutional rights.

The other options do not accurately characterize the legal framework surrounding a Terry stop. Citizens are not detained for an extended period; officers are not required to provide a warrant upon request for this specific type of stop; and while questioning may occur, it typically involves a brief detention rather than solely asking questions without any form of detention.