In the context of stop and frisk, what does "pat down" refer to?

The term "pat down" in the context of stop and frisk refers specifically to a limited search aimed at ensuring that the individual does not possess any weapons. This procedure is grounded in the need to protect both the officer and the public during a lawful stop when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

During a pat down, an officer generally uses their hands to feel the outer clothing of the individual, carefully checking for any concealed weapons such as firearms or knives. The purpose is to ascertain safety rather than to search for evidence of a crime, which distinguishes it from more extensive searches that may involve rummaging through personal belongings or conducting a thorough investigation for items that may suggest criminal activity.

Other choices involve searching in ways that go beyond the limited scope of a pat down; for instance, a thorough search for evidence or a complete search of the individual entails a much deeper level of intrusion and is not permissible under the standard defined by the stop and frisk procedures.