A Terry frisk is performed under what condition?

A Terry frisk is performed under what condition?

• A. Only after a full search
• B. During any stop regardless of suspicion
• C. If the officer has reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous
• D. After obtaining consent

Answer: (B)

A Terry frisk is a quick protective search for weapons that a police officer may perform during a stop when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. The purpose is safety for the officer and others, not to conduct a general search for evidence. The frisk is limited in scope to a pat-down of the outer clothing to feel for weapons; it requires specific, articulable suspicion of danger, not just any stop. It’s not triggered by consent, nor is it automatic on every stop or tied to a full search. If the frisk reveals something that is immediately identifiable as a weapon, it can be seized and may lead to further investigation.

A Terry frisk is a quick protective search for weapons that a police officer may perform during a stop when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. The purpose is safety for the officer and others, not to conduct a general search for evidence. The frisk is limited in scope to a pat-down of the outer clothing to feel for weapons; it requires specific, articulable suspicion of danger, not just any stop. It’s not triggered by consent, nor is it automatic on every stop or tied to a full search. If the frisk reveals something that is immediately identifiable as a weapon, it can be seized and may lead to further investigation.