Question

A police officer felt a soft lumpy object in a suspects back pocket, about the size of a quarter. He was unsure what it was, so he manipulated it with his fingers. At this point he thought the object was a bag of marijuana, so he reached in and pulled it out. He was right. What was the result?

Answer 1

Answer:

Option A, The officer did not have a reasonable suspicion that the item was a weapon; bad frisk

Explanation:

The options for the question are -

a) The officer did not have reasonable suspicion that the item was a weapon; bad frisk.  

b) The officer had reasonable suspicion that the item was evidence of a crime; good frisk

c) The officer had reasonable suspicion that the item was a weapon; good frisk

d) The officer was conducting a pat down for officer safety; good frisk

Solution -

When an officer is able to judge correctly that the suspect is a dangerous individual and may be carrying a weapon, then he/she undergo reasonable suspicion. In most of the case an officer presumption is right but in this case the presumption about the suspect carrying a weapon was wrong. Usually such presumptions are based on circumstances. Reasonable suspicion allows a police officer to inspect the suspect.