Under Terry v. Ohio, what may an officer do during a stop if they reasonably believe the individual may be armed?

• A. Conduct a pat down/frisk for weapons
• B. Arrest without probable cause
• C. Search the person's home
• D. Confiscate property without reason

Answer: (A)

During a Terry stop, if an officer reasonably believes the person may be armed, the officer may perform a limited pat-down of the outer clothing to feel for weapons. This protective frisk is allowed specifically to ensure the officer’s safety and is confined to locating weapons, not to search for evidence or belongings. It’s grounded in the need to neutralize potential threats during a stop when there’s reasonable suspicion the individual is armed and dangerous. The other options go beyond what Terry permits: arresting without probable cause, searching a home, or seizing property without justification all require separate legal grounds beyond a pat-down for weapons.