Opinion ID: 2535175
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Limited Weapons Search

Text: Stopping Gatlin was a proper police act under Terry. Moreover, because the officers believed Gatlin to have a firearm, they were permitted by Terry to conduct a limited search for weapons. [3] During a lawful stop, if the officer has reason to believe that he is dealing with an armed and dangerous individual, he may conduct a reasonable search for weapons for the protection of the police officer. Terry, 392 U.S. at 27, 88 S.Ct. 1868. As noted above, because the purpose of this limited search is not to discover evidence of crime, but to allow the officer to pursue his investigation without fear of violence, the frisk (so long as it is conducted pursuant to a lawful stop) may be permissible whether or not carrying a concealed weapon violate[s] any applicable state law. Adams, 407 U.S. at 146, 92 S.Ct. 1921.