What is a Terry frisk?

A Terry frisk refers specifically to a limited search for weapons that police officers can conduct if they have reasonable suspicion that an individual is armed and dangerous. This practice stems from the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, which established the legal precedent allowing officers to stop and briefly detain a person based on reasonable suspicion. The purpose of the frisk is not to search for contraband or evidence of a crime, but rather to ensure officer safety and the safety of others by checking for weapons.

This context is crucial because it highlights the difference between a Terry frisk and other investigative methods, such as conducting a thorough investigation of a crime scene, interviewing suspects, or performing background checks, which do not share the same focus or legal justification. Instead, a Terry frisk is a specific, limited, and lawful measure grounded in an officer's professional judgment that there may be a threat during a stop.