Under what conditions can a cursory search be performed?

A cursory search, often referred to in legal contexts as a "stop-and-frisk" search, is performed under specific legal standards primarily associated with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The correct choice indicates that a cursory search can be conducted when probable cause is established and articulated.

This means that the officer must have reasonable suspicion based on specific and articulable facts that a person may be involved in a crime and that they may be armed and dangerous. The key element here is "probable cause," which requires more than just a hunch or general suspicion; it necessitates a specific and objective basis for the officer's actions.

The conditions that allow for a cursory search are tightly defined to protect individual rights while also allowing law enforcement to ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations. This doctrine balances the need for public safety with constitutional protections against arbitrary invasions of privacy.

In contrast, a cursory search is not justified merely by the officer's personal feelings or instincts, the presence of a witness, or the occurrence of any detention. Each of these scenarios lacks the concrete standard of probable cause required for a legal search, underscoring the importance of grounded and justifiable action by law enforcement personnel.