When are Terry Frisks permissible on vessels?

Terry Frisks are permissible under the legal framework established in the Terry v. Ohio case, which allows law enforcement officers to conduct a limited search for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion that an individual is armed and dangerous. This principle applies not only on land but also on vessels, as the safety of officers and the public is paramount in situations where potential threats may be present.

When officers are operating on a vessel, their ability to perform a Terry Frisk hinges on their assessment of the circumstances. If they observe behavior or have information suggesting that a person aboard the vessel may be carrying a weapon and poses a threat, they are justified in conducting a limited search, even without a warrant or probable cause. This is a preventive measure intended to ensure safety rather than a full search based on evidence of a crime.

The other options do not align with the criteria for a Terry Frisk. For example, probable cause pertains to searches and arrests rather than the reasonable suspicion necessary for a limited frisk. Full searches typically require a warrant unless certain exceptions apply, while an officer's need for consent in a situation where there is reasonable suspicion does not restrict their ability to conduct a Terry Frisk for safety purposes. Thus, the correct answer highlights the requirement of reasonable suspicion concerning