What is probable cause to search a person?

• A. An unverified hunch
• B. Reasonable basis to believe the person is armed or concealing contraband or evidence; supports a search or seizure
• C. A rumor from a bystander
• D. A personal suspicion by the officer's bias

Answer: (B)

Probable cause to search a person requires a reasonable basis to believe that the person is armed or concealing contraband or evidence, and that a search or seizure is justified by that belief. This is more than a hunch; it rests on facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to conclude criminal activity is involved. In practice, it can be built from observed behavior, physical indicators, or corroborated information that ties the person to contraband or evidence and makes a search reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.

Unverified hunch, rumors from bystanders, or personal bias do not meet this standard because they lack an objective, fact-based foundation to justify intruding on someone’s privacy or liberty.