What is the purpose of a 'stop and frisk' policy?

The purpose of a 'stop and frisk' policy is fundamentally tied to ensuring public safety through brief investigative actions. This practice allows law enforcement officers to stop individuals based on reasonable suspicion that they are involved in criminal activity. During this stop, the officer can conduct a quick pat-down of the person's outer clothing if they suspect that the individual may be armed and dangerous. The goal is to prevent crime and protect both the officer and the public from potential threats.

A stop and frisk is not about issuing citations for traffic violations or questioning individuals without legitimate suspicion. It also does not allow for arrests without evidence; instead, it is a precautionary measure that necessitates reasonable suspicion about criminal behavior. Overall, the focus of stop and frisk is to enhance safety by allowing officers to investigate potentially dangerous situations proactively, while still adhering to constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.