Which legal principle allows officers to search if they have reasonable belief they are in danger?

The legal principle that allows officers to conduct a search when they have a reasonable belief that they are in danger is exigent circumstances. This principle recognizes that law enforcement may need to act swiftly to protect their safety or the safety of others. In situations where there is an immediate threat, waiting for a warrant could pose a risk to individuals involved, such as officers or potential victims.

Exigent circumstances can arise from a variety of situations, such as a suspect fleeing, potential evidence being destroyed, or a situation that could lead to harm. In these cases, the urgency of the circumstances justifies the officer's action to conduct a search without a warrant.

In contrast, the plain view doctrine pertains to items that are visible to an officer from a lawful vantage point, allowing for their seizure without a warrant. Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause that allows officers to stop and briefly detain individuals; it does not authorize a full search. A pat down, often associated with the officer's need to ensure their safety during an encounter, involves a limited search for weapons based on reasonable suspicion but does not relate to the broader legal principle of exigent circumstances.