What does a stop and frisk authorize?

• A. Arrest without probable cause
• B. Search of a vehicle without consent
• C. Full search of a suspect's residence
• D. Temporary detention and a pat-down for weapons

Answer: (D)

A stop and frisk is about allowing a brief, justified detention based on reasonable suspicion and, if the officer reasonably believes the person may be armed, a quick pat-down of the outer clothing to check for weapons. This is not an arrest, not a vehicle search without consent, and not a full residence search. The search is intentionally limited to a frisk for weapons to enhance officer safety during the brief detention, rather than a broader or full search of the person or their belongings. That restricted, safety-focused scope is why the option describing temporary detention and a pat-down for weapons is the best fit.