What is the purpose of a frisk during a stop?

• A. To confirm the suspect's identity.
• B. To check for weapons if the officer reasonably believes the person is armed and poses a threat.
• C. To detain the suspect for questioning.
• D. To gather evidence for a probable cause search.

Answer: (D)

During a stop, the frisk is a quick, protective measure aimed at the officer’s safety. It allows a pat-down of the outer clothing to check for weapons when there is a reasonable belief that the person may be armed and posing a threat. This safety-focused step is permitted because a weapon can put the officer and others at risk, and the frisk is meant to uncover that danger without turning the stop into a full search.

It isn’t about confirming the person’s identity, nor is it a method to detain someone for questioning, and it isn’t a way to gather evidence for a probable-cause search. The frisk is specifically about ensuring there isn’t an immediate weapon threat; if something felt during the pat-down could be a weapon or, in certain circumstances under the plain-feel doctrine, immediately identifiable as contraband, that may be handled accordingly.