What should officers have to justify a protective search of a vehicle?

To justify a protective search of a vehicle, officers must have specific and articulable facts suggesting that there is a danger to their safety or the safety of others. This requirement stems from the need to balance the police's duty to protect themselves and the public with individuals' rights against unreasonable searches under the Fourth Amendment.

The emphasis on "specific and articulable facts" means that vague suspicions or general feelings of unease are insufficient. Officers must be able to point to particular observations or the context of the situation that indicates a real and immediate potential for danger, such as the presence of weapons or known threats. This standard ensures that searches are not conducted arbitrarily but rather are grounded in observable, objective criteria that can be clearly articulated.

In contrast, general suspicion of illegal activity does not meet the higher standard set for protective searches, since it lacks the specificity required to ensure safety. Consent from vehicle occupants could negate the need for a search, as compliance by the individual involved is a different scenario. Evidence of previous criminal activity, similarly, may not provide current indications of danger and does not alone justify a protective search unless it connects directly to the present situation that potentially compromises officer safety.