What is the primary purpose of a Terry frisk?

The primary purpose of a Terry frisk is to ensure the safety of the officer and others by searching for weapons on an individual’s outer clothing. This concept, established by the Supreme Court in the ruling of Terry v. Ohio, allows law enforcement to conduct a limited pat-down for weapons if they have a reasonable suspicion that a person may be armed and dangerous. The frisk is not intended to be a thorough search, nor is it meant for evidence collection such as illegal substances or stolen items; rather, it is a safety measure focused on detecting potential threats posed by weapons. This protective measure is critical in law enforcement interactions, prioritizing the safety of officers and the public while adhering to constitutional rights.