Criminal Procedure Frisks Flashcards
A frisk must be based on ___________ that the suspect engaged in criminal activity AND _________
Reasonable suspicion
and armed and dangerous
Can officers frisk because person refuses to take hands out of pockets
No
Can defendant that he properly detained on suspicion of drug dealing be frisked if there’s no indication he’s armed
No
Does reasonable suspicion of a crime allow officers to frisk
No. Still need indication that he’s armed and dangerous
A frisk is a serious intrusion on the sanctity of the person, which can inflict great indignity and around strong _______
Resentment
Do police officers have to be in fear in order to frisk
No
Police officers must be aware of _____________ that create reasonable belief of danger
specific facts
What is the most important factor when deciding whether to frisk?
The crime under investigation
The facts of the _________ offense control decision to frisk, not the category of offense
Particular
Can officers decision to frisk be based solely on it being a domestic disturbance call
No
Can a bar fight with no weapons be reason enough to frisk
No
Do the environmental and time of day play any role in decision to frisk?
Yes
Does past criminal incidents in an area have any relevancy over decision to frisk?
Yes
Does an anonymous tip that describes someone with a gun, without more, amount to reasonable suspicion to stop and frisk?
No
Anonymous tip describing someone with a gun in backpack. Officers approach and begin to speak with someone matching that description. The person then starts looking around and reaching for the shoulder straps of the backpack. Is this reasonable suspicion to stop and frisk?
Yes
Officers receive report from Vermont state police about Pontiac firebird (plate puck22) spotted at scene of robbery occupied by 3 white males. A shotgun was reported stolen. Several hours later mass officer sees the Pontiac occupied by white male and female. Is the officer justified in pulling the vehicle over and frisking?
Yes. Minor discrepancies don’t eliminate RS and need for safety measures
Boston put out a BOLO for a vehicle involved in a shooting with no suspect descriptions. 34 hours later an officer sees the parked vehicle with occupants walking into a restaurant. Can officer stop and frisk the people?
No. No suspect description and the occupants were cooperative when police approached
Is a suspects prior record for weapon possession or other dangerous conduct relevant?
Yes it is key factor
Can officers frisk an individual solely because he belongs to a particular group?
No but it may be a significant factor
Is tip that a young black male carrying pistol and wearing black hoodie and blue jeans enough to stop and frisk?
No
Do a suspects nervous movement, demeanor and speaking style have an impact on the decision to frisk?
Yes