What is the sole purpose of a frisk in law enforcement?

The primary purpose of a frisk in law enforcement is to ensure officer safety. When officers conduct a frisk, they are performing a limited pat-down of an individual’s outer clothing to check for weapons or any items that could pose a risk to their safety or the safety of others. This practice is rooted in the legal precedent established by the Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio, which permits officers to stop and search individuals when they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be armed and dangerous. The focus during a frisk is not on gathering evidence for a case or obtaining stolen items; rather, it is a tactical consideration aimed at preventing harm during a police encounter. Gathering intelligence or evidence typically involves more extensive searches or investigations, which are not the aim of a frisk.