Page 16 - Critical Tasks in Law Enforcement 2020-2021 Sessioin

Task: Frisk Based on Anonymous Tip

Florida v. J.L., 529 U.S. 266 (2000).

An anonymous tip that fails to predict future conduct of the suspect

being informed on, is insufficient to establish the requisite
reasonable suspicion to support of valid frisk.

• Where tip is such that any passerby could pass along the

information a frisk will not be upheld.

• Note, the Supreme Court indicated they may not hold police to this

standard when dealing with an anonymous tip relating to a weapon

in a school or airport.

©2021 Jack Ryan Legal & Liability Risk Management Institute 15