Detaining suspects and conducting patdowns are essential skills for every officer, but they come with strict legal rules that can affect your cases. Knowing when you have reasonable suspicion and how to conduct a lawful patdown can make the difference between a good arrest and a case thrown out. This class gives you the tools to apply Terry stops and patdowns the right way.

In Terry Stops and Patdowns, you’ll learn what reasonable suspicion means, how to build it legally, and how to conduct patdowns that respect individuals’ rights. We’ll also look at when an anonymous tip can support a detention and the difference between a hunch and reasonable suspicion.

What You’ll Learn

  • What is Reasonable Suspicion?
    Understand what courts look for when deciding if your suspicion is reasonable and when it’s just a hunch.

  • Anonymous Tips and Detentions
    Learn when an anonymous tip is enough to justify a stop and how to use it properly.

  • Conducting Patdowns
    Know how to conduct a patdown that is both effective and within the law.

  • Plain Feel Doctrine
    Understand how to use the plain feel doctrine correctly and what limits apply.

By the end of this class, you’ll be ready to conduct Terry stops and patdowns with confidence. You’ll know how to act within the law and build stronger cases.


Certificate: 1 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states

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Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome to Blue to Gold University

    • Course Introduction

    • Meet Your Instructor

    • Questions and Technical Support
  2. 2
  3. 3

    • Assessment
  4. 4

    • Course Outline

    • Presentation PDF

    • Case Law

    • Search & Siezure Survival Guide eBook
  5. 5

    • Terry Stops & Patdowns 04-02-2025

Course Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 star rating

To the point

Richard Bailey

Very informative

Very informative

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4 star rating

This class was great

Humberto Martinez

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

Read Less
5 star rating

Solid

Troy Wylie

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Read Less

  • Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.

  • Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.

  • Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.

  • You will receive a certificate of completion.