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

The term "stop and frisk" in law enforcement refers specifically to a temporary search conducted based on reasonable suspicion. This practice allows police officers to stop an individual and briefly pat down their outer clothing if they have a reasonable belief that the person may be armed or involved in criminal activity. The key component here is the reasonable suspicion standard, which is less stringent than probable cause but still necessitates the officer to have a specific and articulable basis for the stop.

This practice is rooted in a balance between individual rights and the need for police to ensure public safety. The courts have recognized that while individuals have a right to privacy, there are circumstances where police can conduct limited searches to protect themselves and others. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that "stop and frisk" is legally justified when there is reasonable suspicion, distinguishing it from more invasive searches that would require a higher level of certainty, such as probable cause.