A pat down can be done during a investigatory stop if an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be ...

A pat down can be done during a investigatory stop if an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be ...

• A. armed with a weapon and dangerous
• B. unarmed and friendly
• C. suffering from a medical condition requiring assistance
• D. carrying confidential documents

Answer: (A)

During an investigatory stop, a protective pat-down is allowed when the officer reasonably believes the suspect may be armed and dangerous. This rule, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, is about officer safety and allows a quick outer-layer search to check for weapons. The belief must be based on specific, articulable facts, not mere hunches. The frisk is limited to clothing and outer surfaces for weapons; it’s not a general search for evidence. The other options don’t present an immediate risk that would justify a weapon-focused pat-down (being unarmed, a non-threatening medical condition, or carrying documents unrelated to safety). So the best answer is the one that mentions the suspect may be armed and dangerous.

During an investigatory stop, a protective pat-down is allowed when the officer reasonably believes the suspect may be armed and dangerous. This rule, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, is about officer safety and allows a quick outer-layer search to check for weapons. The belief must be based on specific, articulable facts, not mere hunches. The frisk is limited to clothing and outer surfaces for weapons; it’s not a general search for evidence. The other options don’t present an immediate risk that would justify a weapon-focused pat-down (being unarmed, a non-threatening medical condition, or carrying documents unrelated to safety). So the best answer is the one that mentions the suspect may be armed and dangerous.