What does a Frisk refer to during a law enforcement encounter?

A frisk refers specifically to a quick pat-down of the outer clothing of a person. This technique is typically employed by law enforcement officers during a stop to ensure that the individual does not have any concealed weapons or dangerous items. The primary purpose of a frisk is to protect the officer’s safety while allowing for a brief and non-invasive examination of the person’s outer clothing for any potential threats.

In practice, the officer is not searching for evidence of a crime but rather checking for weapons that could pose an immediate risk. The action is based on the officer’s reasonable suspicion that the person might be armed and dangerous, allowing for a limited search that respects the individual’s rights while prioritizing safety. This distinguishes a frisk from more invasive searches or investigative strategies that focus on gathering evidence or pursuing a more comprehensive search of premises or the individual.