Which of the following is an appropriate action in a Terry stop?

In a Terry stop, which is based on the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, officers have the authority to conduct a limited pat-down search, commonly known as a frisk, when they have a reasonable suspicion that an individual may be armed and dangerous. This action is primarily for the safety of the officer and others in the vicinity.

The justification for frisking arises from the need to ensure that no weapons are present that could pose an immediate threat. The key requirement is reasonable suspicion, which is a lower standard than probable cause, allowing officers to act swiftly in potentially dangerous situations. This procedure is carefully circumscribed; the frisk must be conducted in a manner that is minimally invasive and solely for the purpose of ensuring safety.

This authority to frisk is distinct from a comprehensive search, which would require probable cause or consent, thus maintaining a balance between individual rights and public safety during investigative stops. By focusing on the need for safety during a brief encounter, this aspect of the Terry stop is crucial for law enforcement operations.