What Are the Stop and Frisk Laws in New Jersey?

Among the more controversial situations affecting the police and the public these days is confusion surrounding stop and frisk laws. Stop and frisk is a controversial move that has led to allegations of harassment and even racial profiling.

Stop and frisk is a method used by police that allows an officer, with reasonable suspicion, to stop and question a person who appears to commit or is committing a crime.  The stop and frisk method is most commonly used when an officer suspects that a person may have a dangerous weapon in their possession and the officer fears for their own safety. Based on their reasonable suspicion, an officer can go beyond questioning a person and proceed to pat down the person. Beyond simply patting down a person, the officer can proceed to carry out a more thorough search, including an inspection of their bag or accessories.

Stop and frisk laws have recently been at the center of many controversies. This is because stop and frisk mostly hinges on the suspicion and discernment of an individual officer and is not altogether universally defined. Stop and frisk has proven controversial, as many feel it is a violation of their privacy and constitutional rights. More often than not, those who are stopped and questioned or frisked feel as though it was an unnecessary move and suspect that the stop was due to underlying or overt discrimination.

While the state of New Jersey still has stop and frisk laws in place, it is important that people know their rights as civilians, especially in cases where the stop and frisk proved unnecessary.

If you have been stopped and frisked and feel it was done in an unconstitutional way and are facing criminal charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who could help. Contact the law office of John W. Tumelty today to schedule a case evaluation by calling 609-390-4600 or contact online today.