Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

A terry stop is conducted primarily as a search for what?

1. Drugs

2. Weapons

3. Stolen items

4. Documents

The correct answer is: Weapons

A Terry stop, also known as a stop-and-frisk, is primarily concerned with the safety of law enforcement officers and the public. It allows officers to briefly detain a person based on reasonable suspicion that they are involved in criminal activity. One of the core justifications for conducting a Terry stop is the search for weapons. The rationale is rooted in the need to protect officers from any potential harm during an encounter, as individuals may be carrying weapons that could pose a threat. While drugs, stolen items, and documents may also be relevant to criminal investigations, the immediate goal of a Terry stop is to ensure the safety of the officer and the surrounding community, focusing on weapons. This fundamental principle is established in the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, which set the precedent for such encounters.