What is a key component of an investigative stop (Terry stop) when there is a perceived danger?

The key component of an investigative stop, particularly in situations where there is a perceived danger, involves frisking the vehicle in the lunge area. This approach is rooted in the Terry v. Ohio decision, which allows law enforcement officers to conduct a limited search for weapons when they have a reasonable belief that a suspect may be armed and dangerous.

Frisking the lunge area of the vehicle enables the officer to ensure their own safety by checking for any immediate threats without conducting a full search of the vehicle. This area typically includes those parts of the vehicle where a suspect could potentially reach for a weapon. The justification for this action hinges on the need to protect both the officer and the public from potential harm, particularly if the officer has reason to believe that the occupants of the vehicle may pose a risk.

While other options might relate to safety or officer tactics, they do not specifically address the critical need for a protective search in response to perceived immediate danger during an investigative stop.