If an officer was specifically patting down a suspect for weapons, but came across an item in the person's pocket that was in a shape consistent with contraband, such as narcotics, would the officer be able to seize the item and arrest the person?

Yes, under the 'plain feel' doctrine, the officer can seize the item.

Explanation:

The plain feel doctrine allows a police officer to seize the objects during an otherwise legitimate pat-down search if by plain feel he reasonably believes to be contraband. The plain view doctrine applies by analogy to cases where a police officer discovers contraband by plain feel or touch during an otherwise lawful search.  Objects observed in plain view or by detected by plain touch during a lawful search can be admissible evidence if its incriminating character is immediately identifiable. For instance, a container may be opened if by a touch of the outside, the officer becomes convinced to a reasonable certainty that the content may be evidence.

answer; the civil right act of 1964;

answer; taking detailed notes during the interview;