If you have probable cause under plain feel, what may you do?

If you have probable cause under plain feel, what may you do?

• A. Do nothing
• B. Reach in and grab it
• C. Contact a supervisor
• D. Return to patrol

Answer: (B)

Under plain feel, you may seize an item without a warrant if, during a lawful search, the incriminating nature of what you feel is immediately apparent through touch. If, while conducting a legitimate stop-and-frisk or similar search, you palpate an object and its identity as contraband is clear from the feel alone, you may reach in and grab it. This is because the search was lawful and the object’s nature is unmistakable by touch, so waiting for a warrant isn’t required. Do nothing or delay isn’t appropriate when probable cause is evident from the plain-feel contact, and returning to patrol isn’t relevant to the situation. Contacting a supervisor isn’t a necessary step to seize under plain feel.

Under plain feel, you may seize an item without a warrant if, during a lawful search, the incriminating nature of what you feel is immediately apparent through touch. If, while conducting a legitimate stop-and-frisk or similar search, you palpate an object and its identity as contraband is clear from the feel alone, you may reach in and grab it. This is because the search was lawful and the object’s nature is unmistakable by touch, so waiting for a warrant isn’t required. Do nothing or delay isn’t appropriate when probable cause is evident from the plain-feel contact, and returning to patrol isn’t relevant to the situation. Contacting a supervisor isn’t a necessary step to seize under plain feel.