Police Entrance Practice Exam

What is a "stop and frisk" policy?

1. A method for traffic enforcement

2. A type of search warrant

3. A procedure for patting down individuals without probable cause

4. A practice allowing police to stop and pat down individuals with reasonable suspicion

The correct answer is: A practice allowing police to stop and pat down individuals with reasonable suspicion

A "stop and frisk" policy refers to the legal procedure that allows law enforcement officers to stop an individual and conduct a limited pat-down search, or "frisk," when they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be involved in criminal activity and may be armed and dangerous. The foundational concept of reasonable suspicion means that officers must have specific and articulable facts that justify the stop, rather than a mere hunch or arbitrary decision. This policy is established under court rulings interpreting the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The purpose of the stop and frisk policy is to ensure officer safety and to prevent potential criminal behavior before it escalates. The limitations imposed by the requirement of reasonable suspicion help safeguard individual rights while allowing police to perform their duties effectively. This careful balance is crucial in upholding constitutional protections while addressing public safety concerns.