Final answer:
Common items such as pens, keys, or belts can be used as weapons against officers. Police are trained to search for such items under the Terry v. Ohio stop-and-frisk ruling. Non-lethal deterrents like pepper spray and tools like metal detectors are also used to ensure officer safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Items that may be used as weapons against an officer can vary broadly, but some common items include everyday objects like pens, keys, or belts, which can be repurposed to inflict harm. In a police context, officers are trained to assess and neutralize potential threats, which includes conducting searches for weapons—a practice upheld by the Terry v. Ohio ruling that allows for a stop-and-frisk if there is reasonable suspicion that an individual is armed and dangerous. When suspects are apprehended, as in the scenario presented, police safety is paramount and necessitates a thorough search for weapons, which could include hidden firearms, knives, or other improvised devices. Tools like metal detectors might be used in some scenarios to find concealed metal objects.
Any confrontations between individuals and law enforcement have the potential for escalation, so understanding the types of items that can become weapons is crucial for officers. Additionally, the use of non-lethal deterrents like pepper spray is part of police training to ensure officers can subdue suspects with minimum harm, while still recognising the importance of empathy and restraint in their application.