The purpose of a Terry frisk or pat down is primarily for what reason?

The primary purpose of a Terry frisk, also known as a stop-and-frisk, is to ensure the safety of the officer and others in the vicinity. This practice is grounded in the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Terry v. Ohio, which established that law enforcement officers have the right to perform a limited pat-down of an individual's outer clothing if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person may be armed and dangerous. The focus is on assessing immediate threats rather than conducting a thorough search for contraband or evidence.

During this protective search, officers are looking for weapons that could be used to harm them or others, creating a safer environment for all involved. While the outcome of a Terry frisk may sometimes lead to the discovery of illegal items, such as drugs or weapons, the initial intent is solely about maintaining safety. This distinguishes it from other types of searches that may be focused on gathering evidence or contraband for prosecution.

Therefore, the emphasis is on the safety of both the officer and the public, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that potentially dangerous individuals do not pose a threat during an encounter.