What must be present in order to pat down a subject and remove a weapon? A. Probable cause they have a weapon on them.
B. Verbal permission from the subject.
C. Supervisor approval after informing them of your suspicion.
D. Reasonable suspicion they have a weapon on them.
The correct answer is D. Reasonable suspicion they have a weapon on them.
### Explanation:
In order to conduct a pat down or a frisk for weapons, law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion that a person is armed and poses a threat to their safety or the safety of others. This standard is less than probable cause, but it requires specific and articulable facts that suggest a weapon may be present. Probable cause is needed for an arrest, while reasonable suspicion suffices for a pat-down to ensure officer safety.