What does the term 'frisk' refer to in law enforcement?

The term 'frisk' in law enforcement specifically refers to a limited search for weapons, typically conducted as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the officer and those nearby. This type of search is usually performed when an officer has reasonable suspicion that an individual may be armed and dangerous, allowing the officer to quickly check for the presence of weapons without conducting a full body search.

Frisking involves running one's hands over the outer clothing of a suspect to detect any concealed weapons, while the individual is not formally arrested or subjected to a full search. The key aspect of a frisk is that it is not meant to uncover drugs or other contraband but is solely focused on the presence of potential weapons that could pose an immediate threat. This limited scope is critical, as it balances officer safety with constitutional rights, adhering to legal standards set by court rulings like Terry v. Ohio, which established the principles governing stop-and-frisk procedures.