Under an investigatory detention, when may a police officer perform a pat-down search?

• A. Always
• B. Only if there is reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed and dangerous
• C. Only after probable cause is established
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

In an investigatory detention, the pat-down (frisk) is a safety check that the officer may perform when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. This rule, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, lets officers quickly assess whether a hidden weapon poses a danger while keeping the stop brief and focused. The frisk is limited in scope to touching the outer clothing to feel for weapons; it is not a full search for evidence. If during the frisk the officer immediately recognizes a weapon, they may seize it; otherwise, they must end the frisk and continue the investigation. Reasonable suspicion is the threshold—not a mere hunch, and not needing probable cause. Therefore, the correct understanding is that a pat-down is allowed only when there is reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed and dangerous.