If an officer was specifically patting down a suspect for weapons, but came across an item in the person's pocket that was in a shape consistent with contraband, such as narcotics, would the officer be able to seize the item and arrest the person?

Question

If an officer was specifically patting down a suspect for weapons, but came across an item in the person's pocket that was in a shape consistent with contraband, such as narcotics, would the officer be able to seize the item and arrest the person? ​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officer can seize the item under the plain feel doctrine, which allows the seizure of items discovered during a lawful pat-down search if the officer immediately recognizes the item as contraband without manipulating the object further.

If an Officer Was Specifically Patting Down a Suspect for Weapons