In what situation can an officer not manipulate an object during a pat down search?

During a pat down search, the primary goal is to ensure officer safety and to detect the presence of weapons. If an officer identifies an object during the search that they determine is not a weapon, they can refrain from manipulating that object further. This is based on the principle that if there is no immediate threat to safety, there is no justification to disturb or manipulate the object more than necessary. This protects both the officer's safety and the rights of the individual being searched.

Additionally, if an object is concealed, or potentially dangerous, or if it has been identified as a weapon, the officer is likely to either take additional precautions or manipulate it in a manner consistent with their training and the specific situation. The key factor lies in the identification of the object: once it is determined that it does not pose a threat, manipulation is not warranted. This methodology aligns with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and respects the nature of the officers' lawful authority during the encounter.