Pat down is allowed when?

Pat down is allowed when?

• A. Only when there is probable cause to arrest
• B. If the officer has reasonable suspicion the person is armed, even if not suspected of crime
• C. If the person consents to a search
• D. If the officer has a warrant

Answer: (B)

A pat-down is allowed when the officer has reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. This protective frisk comes from the Terry stop rule, meant to ensure officer safety during a stop without needing probable cause to arrest. The search is limited to the outer clothing to check for weapons, and it doesn’t require a warrant or probable cause. Consent to search can be a separate basis for broader searches, but the pat-down itself specifically hinges on reasonable suspicion of being armed.