What action can an officer take if they feel an object that could be a weapon during a frisk?

An officer's response upon feeling an object during a frisk that could be a weapon is to assess the situation carefully while maintaining safety for both themselves and the suspect. If the officer feels an object that they reasonably believe could be a weapon, reaching in for the object is not advisable; instead, the officer should stop, assess the context, and use caution.

By firmly and clearly securing the situation, officers are allowed to conduct a more thorough examination of the object, which is typically done by conducting a more detailed search or asking the suspect about the object after the initial frisk. This helps to ensure that necessary steps are taken to assess threats without compromising safety.

Ignoring the object or removing it immediately can pose significant risks as it could lead to a confrontation if the object is indeed a weapon, and informing the suspect of the feeling may escalate the situation or cause them to act defensively. Thus, officers are trained to prioritize safety and follow protocol carefully when they encounter potential weapons during a frisk.