Which factor is NOT relevant in determining the reasonableness of a Terry stop?

In the context of a Terry stop, which is a brief detention for questioning based on reasonable suspicion, the reasonableness of the stop is evaluated based on several specific factors. Among these, the time of detention, the location of the stop, and the use of force during the stop are all critical in assessing whether the stop meets legal standards of reasonableness.

The rationale is that the time of detention relates to how long a person is held and whether that duration is justified based on the circumstances. The location can indicate whether the stop was appropriate given the context of the alleged suspicious activity. Additionally, the use of force pertains to the methods employed by law enforcement during the stop, which must be proportional and reasonable under the circumstances to avoid escalation and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

In contrast, the type of clothing worn by the individual does not hold significant bearing on the legality of a Terry stop. While officers might take note of a person's attire as part of their overall assessment of suspicious behavior, clothing alone does not directly contribute to determining the reasonableness of the stop. Therefore, it is not a relevant factor when evaluating the legality of the encounter.