Terry Stops and Patdowns - Mini Course

Detaining suspects and conducting patdowns are essential skills for every officer, but they come with strict legal rules that can affect your cases. Knowing when you have reasonable suspicion and how to conduct a lawful patdown can make the difference between a good arrest and a case thrown out. This class gives you the tools to apply Terry stops and patdowns the right way.

In Terry Stops and Patdowns, you’ll learn what reasonable suspicion means, how to build it legally, and how to conduct patdowns that respect individuals’ rights. We’ll also look at when an anonymous tip can support a detention and the difference between a hunch and reasonable suspicion.

What You’ll Learn

• What is Reasonable Suspicion?
  Understand what courts look for when deciding if your suspicion is reasonable and when it’s just a hunch.
  
  

• Anonymous Tips and Detentions
  Learn when an anonymous tip is enough to justify a stop and how to use it properly.
  
  

• Conducting Patdowns
  Know how to conduct a patdown that is both effective and within the law.
  
  

• Plain Feel Doctrine
  Understand how to use the plain feel doctrine correctly and what limits apply.

By the end of this class, you’ll be ready to conduct Terry stops and patdowns with confidence. You’ll know how to act within the law and build stronger cases.