What is the primary purpose of a frisk?

• A. To determine if the person is armed and dangerous
• B. To locate illegal drugs
• C. To identify the person
• D. To inspect for compliance with laws

Answer: (A)

The primary purpose of a frisk is to determine if the person is armed and dangerous. It’s a quick pat-down of the outer clothing conducted when there’s reasonable suspicion the individual may be armed, with the goal of ensuring safety for the officer and others during the encounter. The frisk is limited in scope and duration to feel for weapons, not to search for drugs, identify the person, or inspect for compliance with laws. If a weapon is felt, it may be seized; if nothing is found, the frisk ends and the encounter proceeds under other legal rules.