What condition must be met for an officer to articulate reasonable suspicion to justify a pat down?

For an officer to articulate reasonable suspicion to justify a pat down, the crucial condition is the presence of specific facts about perceived threats. Reasonable suspicion goes beyond a mere hunch; it requires the officer to have a rationale based on observable behaviors or circumstances that suggest a potential threat to the officer or others nearby. This could include factors such as the person's nervous behavior, the context of the situation, or any actions that may indicate they are armed or about to commit a crime.

While knowing the person's identity, prior criminal history, or having multiple officers present may provide additional context, they are not necessary for establishing reasonable suspicion. The key is that the officer must rely on specific and articulable facts that suggest a possibility that the individual may be dangerous or involved in criminal activity. This is grounded in legal standards designed to balance personal privacy rights with public safety concerns.