Why is the case of Terry v Ohio significant in law enforcement?

The case of Terry v. Ohio is significant in law enforcement primarily because it established the legal foundation for stop-and-frisk procedures based on reasonable suspicion. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers are permitted to stop a person and conduct a brief investigation if they have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity and may be armed and dangerous.

This ruling is crucial because it provides officers with a framework that balances the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights. The decision emphasizes that officers do not need probable cause to stop a suspect but rather a less stringent standard called reasonable suspicion. As a result, it gives police the authority to ensure their safety and potentially prevent criminal activity without fully arresting someone based solely on suspicion.