A protective pat-down search for weapons may include frisking outer garments when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is about to commit or has committed a crime.

• A. Frisk
• B. Detention
• C. Arrest
• D. Search

Answer: (A)

A frisk is a protective pat-down search for weapons conducted during a brief stop when there is reasonable suspicion the person is armed or dangerous. The purpose is safety, not to uncover evidence. The search is limited to feeling the outer clothing to detect weapons; it may include inspecting clothing and pockets only to the extent needed to determine if a weapon is present. If during the frisk the officer feels an object whose shape makes it clearly a weapon or, in the plain-feel doctrine, an object whose incriminating character is immediately apparent, it may be seized. Absent reasonable suspicion of being armed, a frisk would not be permitted. This distinguishes a frisk from a broader search for evidence, and from detention or arrest, which require different justifications to be lawful.