What does the term "stop and frisk" refer to in policing?

The term "stop and frisk" specifically refers to a law enforcement procedure where police officers stop an individual on the street and conduct a brief pat-down of their outer clothing to search for weapons or contraband. This practice is typically justified under the principle of reasonable suspicion, allowing officers to ensure their safety and the safety of others if they believe a person may be armed.

In this context, the focus is on the officers' authority to temporarily detain a person for questioning and to perform a limited search for weapons to prevent potential harm. The main objective of "stop and frisk" is preemptive safety rather than gathering evidence for an arrest, thus distinguishing it from more invasive procedures or methods primarily aimed at obtaining confessions or community relations.