What does "stop and frisk" allow law enforcement to do?

The concept of "stop and frisk" is rooted in the need for law enforcement to ensure officer safety and the protection of the public during interactions with individuals who may pose a threat. Under this practice, law enforcement officers are permitted to briefly detain an individual if they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be involved in criminal activity. During this encounter, officers are authorized to conduct a limited pat-down of the person's outer clothing to check for weapons or dangerous items.

This practice is based on the legal precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio, which established that the safety of law enforcement officers and the public can justify a brief investigative stop, as long as there is reasonable suspicion, not merely a hunch. This is crucial because it balances the need for safety with the protection of individual rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The other options do not align with the legal framework surrounding "stop and frisk." Random searches without cause would violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. Holding someone indefinitely for questioning could infringe on their rights to due process. Searching a vehicle without consent generally requires probable cause or a warrant, which is not covered by "stop and frisk" policies.