Understanding Terry Stops and Patdowns

This course, taught by Anthony Bandiero, Attorney - Senior Legal Instructor at Blue to Gold, provides a discussion of the legal principles governing investigative detentions, known throughout the criminal justice field as "Terry stops."

Illegal "Stop and frisk" policies and practices have encouraged courts to scrutinize these police encounters more than before. Therefore, police officers must get these encounters right.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are encouraged to attend this CLE.

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze the legal definition of "reasonable suspicion" and the difference between a hunch and reasonable suspicion

2. Illustrate when an anonymous tip may support a detention

3. Break down the three factors needed for unprovoked flight

4. Identify when officers may conduct a pat-down and what must be articulated under the "plain feel" doctrine