What type of search does a lawful frisk involve?

A lawful frisk is specifically designed to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers during a stop. The primary purpose of a frisk is to determine if an individual is carrying any weapons or dangerous items that could pose a threat. This is done by conducting a limited search that only involves the outer clothing of the person.

The rationale behind this limited search is based on the concept of reasonable suspicion. There must be specific and articulable facts that lead an officer to believe that a person may be armed and dangerous. Since the intent is to identify weapons without violating the individual's rights, a comprehensive search or any invasive procedures like body searches are not performed during a lawful frisk.

This approach maintains a balance between the need for officer safety and the protection of individual rights against unreasonable searches. A frisk does not extend to searching personal belongings, such as bags or purses, nor does it include searches of vehicles or areas beyond the clothing of the individual.

Thus, focusing only on the outer clothing aligns with the legal standards set by court precedents, emphasizing the necessity and purpose of a lawful frisk in ensuring safety during police encounters.