Under what condition can you perform a frisk of the passenger compartments of a car?

The correct answer is based on the necessity of ensuring the safety of the individuals involved and the officer conducting the frisk. When an officer has a reasonable belief that someone may be in danger of physical injury, they are justified in conducting a frisk of the passenger compartment of a car. This standard relates to the officer’s duty to protect safety and assess any potential threats in situations where they suspect that individuals may be armed or where there may be an imminent risk of harm.

In contrast, while probable cause and specific criminal connections can justify police actions, they do not necessarily provide the immediate grounds for a frisk aimed at preventing potential harm. The other choices would have limitations that do not ensure the balanced consideration of all possible dangers present in a situation. Therefore, the condition of safeguarding individuals by assessing a potential threat through a frisk is the most encompassing and protective approach available in this context.