What is the duration of a stop during a Terry stop?

The duration of a stop during a Terry stop is limited to no longer than necessary to verify the officer's suspicion. This standard is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Terry stops, or investigatory stops, must be brief and cannot extend beyond what is necessary to confirm or dispel the officer's suspicions about criminal activity.

In practical terms, this means that an officer can briefly detain a person to ask questions or conduct a limited investigation, but this detainment must be conducted in a reasonable timeframe. If the officer cannot quickly ascertain the validity of their suspicion, they must either let the individual go or, if further evidence warrants it, pursue other legal procedures, such as obtaining a warrant or furthering their investigation in a different capacity. A stop that lasts excessively long or becomes a fishing expedition would violate the individual's rights under the Fourth Amendment.

This principle ensures that the balance between law enforcement interests and individual rights is maintained, allowing for efficient and fair policing practices.