North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the maximum duration an investigative stop should typically last?

1. 30 minutes

2. 15 minutes

3. 20 minutes

4. 1 hour

The correct answer is: 20 minutes

An investigative stop, often referred to as a Terry stop, should be brief and focused on the specific situation at hand. The accepted duration is generally around 20 minutes. This timeframe allows law enforcement officers to gather information, confirm identities, and conduct checks without unduly infringing on the individual's rights or causing unnecessary detainment. If the stop extends beyond this reasonable period, it can raise legal questions regarding the justification for continued detention and may lead to further complications, such as potential violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Therefore, adhering to the 20-minute guideline helps to ensure that stops remain within legal and procedural boundaries. Other timeframes, such as 15 minutes or longer durations like 30 minutes or 1 hour, may not adequately reflect the standard practice deemed appropriate in law enforcement procedures.