What is a Terry Stop primarily concerned with?

A Terry Stop is primarily concerned with searching for weapons based on reasonable suspicion. This concept stems from the U.S. Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, where it was determined that law enforcement officers can stop and briefly detain a person based on specific and articulable facts that suggest the person may be involved in criminal activity.

During such a stop, officers are allowed to perform a limited search, known as a frisk, specifically for weapons. This is a crucial element because it aims to ensure the safety of the officer and others in the vicinity during the encounter. The basis for this practice is the idea that there should be a balance between an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures and the need for police to ensure their safety and public safety in potentially dangerous situations.

In the context of the other choices, gathering evidence for court and inquiring about someone's whereabouts may involve broader investigative procedures which go beyond the scope of a Terry Stop. Investigating minor crimes, while potentially relevant, does not capture the primary focus of a Terry Stop, which centers explicitly on the immediate concern of safety regarding weapons.