Under what circumstances can a police officer conduct a pat-down search of a person during a Terry stop Quizlet?
Asked by: Lura Schuster | Last update: February 20, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)
A police officer can conduct a pat-down (frisk) during a Terry stop if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous, allowing a limited search of outer clothing for weapons for officer safety, separate from the initial suspicion of criminal activity. This requires specific, articulable facts, not just a hunch, showing the person might have weapons and pose a threat.
Under what circumstances can a police officer conduct a pat-down search of a person during a Terry stop?
When a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that an individual is armed, engaged in, or about to be engaged in criminal conduct, the officer may briefly stop and detain an individual for a pat-down search of outer clothing.
What type of search allows a police officer to conduct a pat-down search of the outer clothing for weapons Quizlet?
- A frisk protects the officer and others from possible violence by persons being investigated for crime. A frisk must initially be limited to a pat-down of a person's outer clothing. Frisks are based on reasonable suspicion. The officer must have reason to believe that the individual might possess a weapon.
Under what circumstances can police conduct searches?
A judge issues a search warrant to authorize law enforcement officers to search a particular location and seize specific items. To obtain a search warrant, police must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that items connected to the crime are likely to be found in the place specified by the warrant.
When can officers perform a pat-down?
In California, a "stop and frisk" (Terry stop) is a legal procedure that allows police to briefly detain someone and conduct a limited pat-down search if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. The stop is based on reasonable suspicion of criminal behavior.
Police Pat Down
What is a terry pat-down?
Defined: A limited search for weapons, generally of the outer clothing, but also of those areas which may be within the suspect's control and pose a danger to the officer / agent. 1. Many law enforcement. agencies teach officers to frisk via a “pat down” of the suspect's outer clothing.
Do I have to consent to a pat-down?
You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
Under what circumstances can police most often conduct searches?
If you have contraband items in plain view (i.e. you have drug paraphernalia on the passenger's seat of your car during a traffic stop), the police can seize this property. If you're being arrested, police can search your person and nearby surroundings for dangerous items like weapons.
When can police search you in Canada?
A search or seizure will be reasonable where it is (1) authorized by law; (2) the law itself is reasonable; and (3) the manner in which the search is carried out is reasonable (R. v. Collins, [1987] 1 S.C.R. 265 at paragraph 23; Hunter v.
In what circumstances would you conduct searches without a warrant?
Exigent Circumstances:
Officers will take immediate actions to secure a warrant or they may search warrantless if they believe that failing to do so will cause the destruction of evidence, threaten public safety, or cause a suspect to flee.
What is a pat-down search?
A pat-down search is when a police officer pats down the outer surfaces of a person's clothing in an attempt to find weapons. A pat-down search constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment.
Which court case allows officers to conduct pat-down searches?
In Terry v. Ohio, the Court ruled that officers have the right to stop and pat down a suspect if they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be armed.
How to conduct a pat-down search?
In a pat-down search, officers are permitted only to externally feel the outer clothing of the suspect. Officers may not place their hands in pockets unless they feel an object that could reasonably be a weapon, such as a firearm, knife, club or other item.
In which situation are police permitted to conduct a consent search?
Thus, “in situations where the police have some evidence of illicit activity, but lack probable cause to arrest or search, a search authorized by valid consent may be the only means of obtaining important and reliable evidence.”
Is reasonable suspicion enough for a pat-down?
Here are a few things to remember about stop and frisk: You must have reasonable suspicion that a suspect is about to commit, is committing or has committed a crime to make a Terry stop. You must have separate reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed before you can conduct a pat-down search of a suspect you stop.
What are the things police are not allowed to do?
Police officers are not allowed to use excessive force, conduct illegal searches, plant evidence, racially profile, or violate constitutional rights like freedom from unreasonable seizure, but they can sometimes lie to get a confession, though lying about having evidence is limited by not being likely to induce a false confession. They cannot search your phone's contents without a warrant, but can order you to stop recording, though recording them is generally a First Amendment right. They must have probable cause or a warrant for searches and seizures, cannot demand confessions through threats, and must follow strict rules, especially regarding the use of deadly force.
Can a cop search your car without consent in Canada?
These situations are consistent with Canadian law and the privacy rights provided under the Charter. If police have reasonable grounds to believe that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime, they can search without a warrant.
Can police search your home without a warrant?
The answer is yes; in some cases, police can enter your property without your permission or a warrant, but not just because they want to. Understanding these specific exceptions is crucial for protecting your rights under California law.
Can you refuse a search in Canada?
The police cannot search your home or even your hotel room without your consent or without a warrant. Sometimes your consent may be implied if you do not say anything. Be clear and vocal if you object to the search. If you give consent to search your home, you can change your mind and ask them to stop.
When can you search for a person?
If an officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the person is armed and dangerous, they may perform an outer clothing pat-down or frisk of the individual. An arrest was made. The officer may then search the person and areas within their immediate control in a search incident to arrest.
What does the 4th Amendment require police to obtain before conducting a search or seizure?
The Fourth Amendment states that “no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.” Generally speaking, this means that law enforcement officers need a search warrant to search for someone's ...
What is the most common complaint against police officers?
The most common complaint against police is excessive force, involving physical abuse or restraint beyond what's necessary, often linked with racial profiling and unlawful stops or arrests, with other frequent issues including dishonesty, sexual misconduct, and abuse of power. These allegations highlight a significant gap in community trust, often leading to civil rights violations and calls for greater accountability and reform, notes.
Can I defend myself if a cop touches me?
You can generally only defend yourself against a police officer if they are using excessive force, acting outside their lawful duty, or if you reasonably don't know they are an officer (like a home invasion), but resisting lawful force during an arrest is illegal and dangerous, often leading to more charges like resisting arrest, so your safest bet is usually to comply, document everything, and challenge unlawful actions in court later, as physical resistance against a police officer is highly risky and can lead to severe injury or death, even if the officer's actions are wrong.
Can a police officer order you to roll down your window?
Let's break this down. First, the short answer is yes, officers can order drivers to roll down their windows. Here's why: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that officers can order drivers to exit their vehicles.
What is a Regulation 17 in police?
Receiving a Regulation 17 Notice
The purpose of a notice served under Regulation 17 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 or the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 is to inform you that an allegation has been made that you may have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour.