An investigative stop is characterized by which of the following?

An investigative stop is characterized as being more limited in scope and duration than a formal arrest. This type of stop, often referred to as a Terry stop, is conducted when a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity.

During an investigative stop, the officer is allowed to briefly detain and question the individual without the need for probable cause, which is required for an arrest. The length of the stop is also typically shorter, allowing for a quick inquiry into the officer's suspicions. The key aspect of an investigative stop is the limited nature of the intrusion on a person's freedom, as the officer's goal is to confirm or dispel their suspicion through a minimal and focused interaction.

Therefore, the defining characteristics of an investigative stop, such as its brief duration and focus on specific investigative purposes, highlight its distinction from a formal arrest, which involves a higher level of legal justification and formality.