How long can an investigatory stop typically last?

An investigatory stop, often referred to as a "Terry stop," is a brief detention by law enforcement officers based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. The correct answer indicates that such a stop can only last as long as necessary to confirm or dispel the officer's suspicions.

This principle is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. The duration of the stop must be limited to the time necessary for the officer to conduct their investigation, which includes asking questions or perhaps running a check on the individual’s identification. If suspicions are not confirmed within a reasonable timeframe, the individual must be released.

When considering the other options, it is clear why they do not fit the legal standards surrounding investigatory stops. An indefinite duration would violate the rights of individuals by allowing officers to detain them without a clear justification. Similarly, the notion that an officer can keep someone for as long as they want lacks a legal basis, as it does not adhere to the requirement that the stop must be reasonably justified and limited to the specific purpose of investigation. Lastly, a minimum time frame of 30 minutes is arbitrary and not supported by legal standards, as the length must be directly related to the nature of the suspicion and the investigation