What is the proper procedure for conducting a frisk or pat-down on a civilian?

• A. Authorized by reasonable suspicion or consent, private location, same-sex officer when possible, maintain dignity, document.
• B. Randomly frisk everyone, regardless of suspicion.
• C. Frisk only in public place with crowd present.
• D. Do not document the frisk.

Answer: (A)

Frisking someone is a protective search that is allowed only when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed, or when the person consents. This keeps officers safe while respecting the civilian’s rights and avoids a broad, invasive search. The proper approach is to conduct the frisk in the most private setting feasible and to have a same‑sex officer when possible, which helps protect the person’s dignity and reduces potential embarrassment. Throughout, maintain a calm, professional demeanor, explain what you’re doing, and limit the search to outer clothing to feel for weapons. If you detect something that could be a weapon, act within policy to secure it while continuing to document and handle the situation appropriately. After the encounter, document the reason for the stop, actions taken, and any items seized to ensure accountability and a clear record. Frisking at random, frisking only in public with a crowd, or failing to document the frisk do not meet these standards because they bypass suspicion, privacy, or accountability requirements.