OPOTA Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide for Your Test

Question: 1 / 400

What does reasonable belief in a Terry Pat Down/Frisk involve?

Intuition about the suspect

Articulating specific observable behaviors

Reasonable belief in a Terry Pat Down or Frisk involves articulating specific observable behaviors. This standard is grounded in the objective justification for the belief that a person may be armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officers must rely on concrete observations and facts, rather than subjective feelings or intuition, to justify the need for a pat down or frisk.

When an officer conducts a Terry stop, they must articulate specific behaviors or circumstances that give rise to a reasonable suspicion. These could include actions such as a suspect's nervousness, their attempt to evade officers, or other indicators that suggest potential danger. The focus on observable behavior ensures that the officer’s actions are supported by evidence rather than assumptions, enhancing the legitimacy of the stop and ensuring that constitutional rights are respected.

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Assumptions based on past experiences

Heard rumors about the suspect

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