What must an officer demonstrate to perform a stop and frisk?

To perform a stop and frisk, an officer must demonstrate reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. This legal standard indicates that the officer has specific, articulable facts that suggest a person may be involved in criminal conduct, rather than just a vague hunch or general suspicion. Reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold than probable cause, which is required for an arrest, but it must still be based on the officer's observations, experience, and training.

The foundation of a stop and frisk lies in the Fourth Amendment rights, which protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. This procedural tool is designed to balance law enforcement's need to ensure officer and public safety with individuals' rights to privacy. If an officer feels that a person may be armed and dangerous, a stop and frisk is justified to ensure safety during an interaction.

The other options do not fulfill the criteria needed for a lawful stop and frisk. Intuition alone does not provide the sufficient legal basis required; a mere feeling does not equate to reasonable suspicion. Consent is not necessary for a stop and frisk to occur, as the action can be justified based on the officer's suspicion. Lastly, prior knowledge of an individual's history may inform the officer's suspicions, but it is not essential; reasonable suspicion can stem