What can officers do during an investigatory stop?

During an investigatory stop, officers have the authority to question the individual about their activities. This practice is grounded in the principle that law enforcement can conduct brief stops and detentions based on reasonable suspicion that a person may be involved in criminal activity. The purpose of this questioning is to gather information that can either confirm or dispel the officer's suspicions.

The ability to ask questions is essential for officers to determine the context of the situation and to assess whether there is a need for further action, such as a more formal interrogation or, if necessary, an arrest. This interaction is intended to be brief and focused, allowing officers to maintain public safety while respecting individual rights.

In this context, the other options either misrepresent the limitations of an investigatory stop or are contrary to the legal standards governing such encounters. For example, conducting a full search or detaining an individual for an extended period exceeds the permissible scope of an investigatory stop, which is meant to be brief and based on reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause. Similarly, taking someone into custody without any cause would violate constitutional protections against unlawful searches and seizures.