What does an "investigatory stop" entail?

An "investigatory stop" involves a temporary detention of an individual by law enforcement officers for the purpose of asking questions or gathering information based on reasonable suspicion that the individual may be involved in criminal activity. This type of stop is not a full arrest, which would require probable cause, but it allows officers to briefly detain and question a person when they have specific facts or circumstances that lead them to suspect criminal behavior.

The essence of an investigatory stop is the balance between an individual's right to privacy and the need for public safety, allowing officers to take swift action when they perceive possible criminal activity while not infringing on personal liberties more than necessary. Therefore, it is critical that the detention is brief and limited in scope, typically involving a quick questioning and, if necessary, a search of the individual for weapons.

This concept is rooted in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence, particularly regarding the reasonable suspicion standard that must be met for such stops to be lawful. Such stops also must be based on observable facts rather than mere hunches or vague suspicions.