The term used for stops based on reasonable suspicion is what type of stops?

Prepare for the South Dakota Law Enforcement Reciprocity Test. Utilize comprehensive flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and answer explanations to enhance your readiness. Get set for your examination journey!

The term used for stops based on reasonable suspicion is known as Terry Stops. This terminology originates from the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, decided in 1968, which established that law enforcement officers can stop and briefly detain a person for investigative purposes if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. This suspicion must be based on specific and articulable facts rather than just a vague hunch.

Terry Stops are significant because they allow police officers to act on their reasonable suspicions while also balancing the individual's right against unreasonable searches and seizures as outlined in the Fourth Amendment. Importantly, during a Terry Stop, officers are permitted to frisk the individual for weapons if they have a reasonable belief that the person may be armed and dangerous.

Understanding this concept is crucial for law enforcement personnel, as it guides their actions when they suspect criminal behavior but do not have enough evidence to make an arrest or apply for a search warrant. The other terms in the answer choices do not have established definitions or legal standing related to stops based on reasonable suspicion, making them inaccurate in this context.

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