In Terry stop terminology, which statement best describes the two elements of the analysis?

• A. Involvement in Criminal Activity and Reasonable Suspicion to Believe the Suspect Is Armed
• B. Probable Cause to Arrest and Warrant Requirement
• C. Consent to Search and Plain View
• D. Exigent Circumstances and Probable Cause

Answer: (A)

In a Terry stop, there are two steps in the analysis. First, the stop itself must be justified by reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. If the officer wants to frisk for weapons, there must also be reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. The statement captures both elements: involvement in criminal activity to justify the stop, and a reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed to justify a protective frisk. The other options refer to different police powers (arrests with probable cause and warrants, searches based on consent or plain view, or exigent circumstances with probable cause) and don’t describe the two-part Terry stop framework.