A policeman who has an articulable suspicion that someone may be engaged in a criminal act may briefly detain the person to determine if something foul is afoot. If the policeman, during the confrontation, has a reasonable fear for his safety, he may pat down (using the palms or backs of the hands) the outer clothing of the person to assure himself the person is not carrying a weapon. The policeman is not permitted to insert his hands into the person's pockets or use a grasping technique in conducting this pat-down. Terry Stops should last no longer than 20 minutes, though no court has specified a particular length of time they must be completed in. Once the policeman has satisfied himself that probable cause to arrest exists, he may place the person under arrest. However, if he determines that no probable cause exists to arrest, the person must be permitted to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

 


Q: What is a "Terry Stop?"

A: A policeman who has an "articulable suspicion" that someone may be engaged in a criminal act may briefly detain the person to determine if something foul is afoot. If the policeman, during the confrontation, has a reasonable fear for his safety, he may "pat down" (using the palms or backs of the hands) the outer clothing of the person to assure himself the person is not carrying a weapon. The policeman is not permitted to insert his hands into the person's pockets or use a grasping technique in conducting this pat-down.

"Terry Stops" should last no longer than 20 minutes, though no court has specified a particular length of time they must be completed in. Once the policeman has satisfied himself that probable cause to arrest exists, he may place the person under arrest. However, if he determines that no probable cause exists to arrest, the person must be permitted to leave.


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