Reasonable suspicion for a frisk requires what type of facts?

• A. Articulable facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to suspect that the person is armed and dangerous
• B. A hunch that the person might be involved in crime
• C. A written complaint from a citizen
• D. A standard checkpoint protocol

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion for a frisk rests on articulable facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to believe the person is armed and dangerous. This standard, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, requires specifics that can be described in court—not a vague hunch. The facts need to point toward potential danger, such as observed behavior, location, time, body language, statements, or any combination that makes a reasonable person think a weapon may be present and that the person poses a risk. A mere guess or a written complaint alone doesn’t meet this test, and a general checkpoint protocol isn’t about individualized suspicion for a pat-down.