A protective pat-down during a lawful stop is permissible only when the officer has what?

A protective pat-down during a lawful stop is permissible only when the officer has what?

• A. Probable cause to search for weapons
• B. A warrant
• C. Reasonable belief the person is dangerous
• D. Reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous

Answer: (D)

A protective pat-down during a lawful stop is allowed only when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and presently dangerous. This standard comes from Terry v. Ohio and is designed to protect officer safety during uncertain encounters. It requires enough specific facts to make the officer reasonably believe a weapon could be present, and that the person could pose a danger at that moment. The frisk is limited in scope to finding weapons and does not require a warrant or probable cause to search for weapons. If anything felt is immediately identifiable as a weapon or allows immediate seizure, it can be taken; otherwise, the officer cannot extend the search.

A protective pat-down during a lawful stop is allowed only when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and presently dangerous. This standard comes from Terry v. Ohio and is designed to protect officer safety during uncertain encounters. It requires enough specific facts to make the officer reasonably believe a weapon could be present, and that the person could pose a danger at that moment. The frisk is limited in scope to finding weapons and does not require a warrant or probable cause to search for weapons. If anything felt is immediately identifiable as a weapon or allows immediate seizure, it can be taken; otherwise, the officer cannot extend the search.