What does a pat down aim to achieve during a stop and frisk?

A pat down during a stop and frisk primarily aims to conduct a limited search for weapons. This procedure is based on the need to ensure safety for both the officer and others in the vicinity. When an officer has reasonable suspicion that a person may be armed and dangerous, the pat down is an investigative technique to determine if the individual is carrying any weapons that could pose a threat.

The focus is not on finding illegal substances or collecting evidence for prosecution; rather, it concentrates on physical safety by checking for items that could harm the officer or others. While personal information may be gathered during the encounter, it is not the goal of the pat down itself. The emphasis remains on identifying potential weapons to mitigate risk during police interactions.