What type of objects should officers specifically be checking for during a Terry frisk?

During a Terry frisk, officers are specifically trained to check for weapons and hard objects that could potentially be used as weapons. This practice stems from the need to ensure officer safety during investigative stops. The Terry frisk is a limited pat-down conducted to ascertain whether an individual is armed; it does not serve as a means to investigate personal belongings or obtain evidence for crimes unrelated to the immediate concern of potential weapon possession.

Focusing on weapons and hard objects allows officers to quickly assess the threat level of a situation, ensuring both their safety and that of any individuals present. The goal is to enable officers to make informed decisions while minimizing the risk of injury during encounters with suspects who may pose a danger. The other options would involve broader searches or focus on different kinds of evidence that are not the primary concern during a Terry frisk.