What is the primary reason for questioning a suspect during a Terry stop?

During a Terry stop, the primary purpose of questioning a suspect is to confirm or dispel the officer's suspicions. This type of stop is based on the officer’s reasonable belief that the individual may be involved in criminal activity and allows for a brief investigative detention. The questioning serves as a tool for the officer to assess the situation further; their goal is to clarify whether their initial suspicions were justified.

When an officer engages in this questioning, they are attempting to gather information that may either substantiate their belief that a crime is occurring or may lead them to conclude that no further action is necessary. This interaction is typically brief and intended to be non-intrusive, focusing solely on the circumstances that led to the stop. The outcome of this questioning can determine whether the officer has enough reasonable suspicion to proceed further with an investigation or potentially make an arrest.