In Minnesota vs. Dickerson, what condition allows police to seize items during a pat-down search?

In the case of Minnesota vs. Dickerson, the condition that allows police to seize items during a pat-down search is that the items must be immediately identifiable by touch. This ruling is rooted in the principle of the "plain feel" doctrine, which states that if an officer is conducting a lawful pat-down for weapons and feels an object that is immediately recognizable as contraband or a weapon, they are permitted to seize it. This is similar to the “plain view” doctrine applied to items visible without intrusion, but it specifically applies to the sense of touch during a legally justified search.

This ruling emphasizes the importance of the officer's training and experience, allowing them to discern objects that are not merely innocuous but rather indicative of illegal activity or dangerous items. The immediate identification by touch must not require further manipulation of the object, reinforcing the limits of the exclusionary rule that are designed to protect individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.