What does the plain feel doctrine allow an officer to do?

The plain feel doctrine allows officers to seize objects that feel like contraband during a frisk or a pat-down. This principle is grounded in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. When officers conduct a lawful stop and frisk, they may detect items through the clothing that could be identified as contraband based on their tactile experience.

For instance, if an officer feels a hard, rectangular object that they reasonably believe is a weapon or illegal substance, they are justified in seizing that item without a warrant or further probable cause, as long as the initial pat-down was for officer safety. The doctrine thus balances the need for police to ensure their safety against the individual’s right to privacy, emphasizing that the officer's senses can provide enough basis for further action if they come upon evidence of illegal activity by mere touch during a lawful encounter.