Which of the following is NOT listed as a justification for searching a person?

• A. Plain feel
• B. Consent
• C. Arrest warrant
• D. Search incident to arrest

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is what can justify searching a person. A search is allowed when the person gives valid consent, when the person is lawfully arrested and the search is conducted incident to that arrest, or when an arrest warrant exists that authorizes the person’s detention and related search. Plain feel is not a stand-alone justification for a search; it’s a narrow exception that lets an officer seize something only if, during a lawful frisk, the object is immediately identifiable as contraband by touch. If the item isn’t obviously contraband just by feel, the officer can’t seize it under plain feel. So plain feel isn’t a general justification for searching a person, making it the correct answer.