During a Terry stop, what type of information may an officer demand?

During a Terry stop, the officer is permitted to gather information that helps them ascertain the identity of the individual they have stopped and assess the situation. This typically includes asking for the person's name, address, and an explanation of their actions. The primary purpose of a Terry stop is to ensure officer safety and investigate suspicious behavior without it escalating into a full arrest.

The demand for a name allows the officer to identify the individual, while asking for an address provides additional context about where they may be coming from or going. Requesting an explanation of actions gives the officer insight into why the individual is behaving in a manner that prompted the stop; it helps the officer evaluate whether there is reasonable suspicion to justify the stop based on the context provided by the individual.

This aligns with the broader principles of reasonable suspicion outlined in Terry v. Ohio, where the Court recognized that brief, investigative detentions are permissible under certain conditions to protect officer safety and gather information pertinent to potential criminal activity.