What part of the body is checked during a Terry frisk?

The Terry frisk, as established by the Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, is a limited pat-down procedure used by law enforcement to ensure that a person does not possess any weapons or contraband. During this frisk, officers conduct a thorough examination that includes approaching the subject and checking from head to toe. This comprehensive approach is crucial to ensure officer safety and is based on the suspicion that the individual may be armed or pose a threat.

In performing a Terry frisk, officers focus on all accessible areas of the individual's body, including the torso, arms, legs, and head, to identify any potential threats. This thoroughness is necessary because although the primary concern is to locate weapons, items that could cause harm can be concealed in various locations on the body. Thus, the option indicating that the body is checked from head to toe accurately reflects the practice and legal precedent established for ensuring both officer and public safety.