What is the primary purpose of a Terry frisk?

The primary purpose of a Terry frisk is to ensure the safety of both the officer and the public by checking for weapons or hard objects that could potentially be used as weapons. This practice stems from the Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, which established that law enforcement may conduct a limited pat-down of a person's outer clothing when they have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed and poses a threat. The focus of a Terry frisk is not to conduct a full search for illegal substances or evidence but rather to quickly identify any immediate threats that could lead to harm during an encounter. This balancing act between individual rights and public safety underscores the essential role of a Terry frisk in police procedures.