58E. Apprehensions1. Contacts and Stops and Apprehensionsa. ContactsOfficers, NCOs, and MPs may initiate contact with persons in anyplace they are lawfully situated. Generally, such contacts are not apprehensions subject to the Fourth Amendment. Most contacts do not result from suspicion of criminal activity. Examples of lawful contacts include questioning witnesses to crimes and warning pedestrians that they are entering a dangerous neighborhood. These types of contacts
are entirely reasonable, permissible, and within the normal activities of law enforcement personnel and commanders. They are not detentions in any sense.
b. StopsAn officer, NCO, or MP who reasonably suspects that a person has committed,
is committing, or is about to commit a crime has the obligation and authority to stop that person. Both pedestrians and occupants of vehicles maybe stopped. If the person is a suspect and is to be questioned, Article 31 warnings should be read. The stop must be based on more than a hunch. The official making the stop should be able to state specific facts to support the decision to stop an individual. If the individual making the stop reasonably suspects the stopped person is armed and dangerous, they may frisk or pat down the person for weapons.
Share with your friends: