Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

What can an officer do during a Terry stop?

1. Conduct a full search without probable cause

2. Question the individual about prior convictions

3. Conduct a field interview if suspicious behavior is observed

4. Make an arrest without any evidence

The correct answer is: Conduct a field interview if suspicious behavior is observed

During a Terry stop, which arises from the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, an officer is allowed to briefly detain an individual based on reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. This stop is not an arrest but a limited detention that allows the officer to investigate the circumstances that led to the suspicion. The correct answer reflects that an officer can conduct a field interview if suspicious behavior is observed. This is a crucial aspect of a Terry stop, as the officer may ask the individual questions to gather more information and assess the situation without needing probable cause at that moment. The purpose is to clarify the behavior that caused the suspicion and determine whether the situation warrants further action. In contrast, the other options do not align with the legal standards set for a Terry stop. Conducting a full search without probable cause exceeds the limitations of what officers are permitted during such a stop, as it requires a higher level of suspicion known as probable cause. Questioning an individual about prior convictions may not be relevant or permissible during a brief investigatory stop, and making an arrest without any evidence goes against the principles of reasonable suspicion, as an arrest requires probable cause. Thus, conducting a field interview is the most appropriate action for an officer during a Terry stop