During a stop and frisk, can police officers seize items believed to be weapons or contraband?

During a stop and frisk, police officers are allowed to seize items believed to be weapons or contraband under certain conditions. The correct response states that they can certainly seize items if there is reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed and dangerous. This principle is derived from the landmark case of Terry v. Ohio, where the U.S. Supreme Court held that if an officer has reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity and may be armed, they may conduct a limited search for weapons to ensure their safety.

This stop and frisk is not merely a hunt for evidence but aims to prevent immediate danger. If an officer feels an object during a pat-down that they reasonably believe is a weapon or contraband, they can seize it. This does not require a warrant because the nature of the encounter and the officer's safety are paramount.

The notion of reasonable suspicion is crucial here, as it allows officers to act swiftly in situations where waiting for a warrant might pose a risk to themselves or others. Thus, the ability to seize items believed to be weapons or contraband enhances officer safety and maintains public safety in potentially dangerous situations.