What is the maximum time allowed to confirm reasonable suspicion during a stop?

The maximum time allowed to confirm reasonable suspicion during a stop is 15 minutes. This timeframe is based on legal standards established by court cases emphasizing that an investigative detention, commonly referred to as a stop, must be conducted within a reasonable duration to avoid violating an individual's Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

During this period, law enforcement officers are expected to act diligently in confirming or dispelling their suspicions. While the actual duration may vary depending on the particular circumstances of the stop, it is generally accepted that 15 minutes is a practical guideline. If officers take longer than this without confirming their suspicion, it may be deemed an unlawful detention, leading to potential legal challenges regarding the stop’s legitimacy. Thus, a 15-minute limit strikes a balance between allowing officers adequate time to investigate and protecting individuals from prolonged, unjustified detention.