What You Should Know about Stop and Frisk Searches

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Because of call of duty and probably experience in crime detection and prevention, it is not unlikely for a police officer to develop a keen eye for possible threats to peace and security. This, however, may not meet the standards of a probable cause. This is known as a reasonable suspicion that warrants the need for a "stop and frisk."

How and why is it done

Stop and frisk has been observed as an effective police procedure since 1968 because of the Terry v. Ohio case. On the basis of a reasonable suspicion, the police may stop and confront a deemed suspicious person capable of perpetrating a crime, question, and frisk (pat down) the person for weapons.

This kind of search is done for the protection of officers and other people nearby. Keep in mind that a stop is different from an arrest. You will be on hold for search temporarily. If, during the frisk, there are no evidence found, you should be free to go. A frisk is also just a simple search limited to patting down outer clothing. Frisking is aimed at finding weapons such as guns, knives, and the like. If you will be found in possession of weapons or other prohibited substance, this can be a probable cause that can lead to arrest and further searches.A stop is acceptable if the suspect appears not fit in a given time and place, exhibits strange behavior and emotion, is intoxicated, runs away or present in a crime scene or high-crime area, or matches the description on a "wanted"flyer. Meanwhile, a frisk may be justified if based from the appearance and behavior of person, he or she is capable of engaging in a crime.

There are also special situations, such as automobile stops, canine inspections, borders, and drug courier profiling, where stop and frisk is most likely applied. During a stop, questioning may not necessitate a Miranda warning, and only if questioning is done at the site where the initial stop took place.

Stop and frisk searches are said to be controversial police procedures because some individuals belonging to specific minority groups or residing in particular communities complain that they are subjected to stop and frisk more frequently than others. Some police officers also tend to abuse this procedure.