What does "stop and frisk" involve?

"Stop and frisk" refers specifically to a law enforcement procedure where an officer stops an individual briefly on the street and conducts a pat-down of the person's outer clothing to check for weapons. This practice is typically employed when an officer has reasonable suspicion that the individual may be armed and dangerous. The goal of the stop is to ensure the safety of the officer and others by preventing the potential use of a firearm or other weapons during the interaction.

This procedure is rooted in the concept of maintaining public safety, striking a balance between individual rights and law enforcement responsibilities. The legality of stop and frisk has been the subject of much legal scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding the need for reasonable suspicion to justify the stop, as well as concerns about racial profiling and civil rights implications.

In contrast, the other options describe different law enforcement actions. Issuing tickets for minor infractions does not involve a physical search and is focused on enforcing laws related to minor violations. An interrogation technique used to gather information pertains more to questioning individuals rather than a physical search for weapons. Searching a person's home legally requires a warrant or specific legal justification, which is distinct from the on-the-spot nature of a stop and frisk.