What is necessary for an officer to conduct a limited search during a Terry Stop?

For an officer to conduct a limited search during a Terry Stop, it is essential that the officer holds a reasonable belief of potential danger. This principle stems from the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, which established that if an officer suspects that an individual may be armed and poses a threat to themselves or others, they have the authority to conduct a protective frisk for weapons. The key point here is that this belief doesn't need to be based on absolute certainty or concrete evidence of a crime; rather, it requires a credible concern for safety based on the officer's observations and experience.

In contrast, the other options like the need for evidence of a crime being committed or witness testimony do not apply in the same context for a Terry Stop. A warrant is also not necessary for this type of interaction; the basis for the search relies fundamentally on the officer's assessment of a potential threat rather than the presence of definitive proof or legal documents. This focus on the officer's perception of danger is what grants them the authority to conduct a safety search without requiring additional evidence.