You have rights. So do the police. It is well settled that people have the right to move about freely without unlawful seizures or searches of their person and/or property. However, circumstances exist, even absent consent on your part, that the police may stop, detain and/or search you. The first level of intrusion is a so-called request for information. If a police officer has an objective and

The second level of intrusion is where they have suspicion that criminal activity may be occurring. They can ask you more pointed questions such as whether you have a weapon or just bought illicit substances. Still, they can’t search you without your consent. Once again, you are free to leave without answering any questions or consenting to a search. You cannot be detained at this juncture.

If a police officer has reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot, they may stop, detain and frisk you – for officer safety if they believe you may have a weapon.