When can an officer perform a Terry frisk?

The correct answer is based on the legal principle established by the Terry v. Ohio case, which allows law enforcement officers to conduct a frisk or pat-down of an individual for weapons under certain specific circumstances. An officer is permitted to perform a Terry frisk when they have a reasonable belief, based on the totality of the circumstances, that the individual is armed and poses a danger to the officer or others.

This standard is grounded in the need for officer safety during encounters with suspects. The key here is the officer's suspicion of the individual being armed and dangerous, as it provides the necessary legal justification for the limited search. This frisk is not a full search but rather a quick pat-down of the outer clothing to ensure that the individual is not carrying a weapon that could jeopardize safety.

In contrast, while probable cause is a higher threshold that might allow for a more thorough search, it is not a requirement for a Terry frisk. Not every traffic stop necessitates a frisk, as this depends on the officer's observations and reasonable suspicion. Lastly, consent can allow for a search, but it is not a prerequisite for performing a Terry frisk, which relies on the officer's assessment of danger rather than the individual's agreement.