Legal Definitions - field stop

A field stop, also commonly known as a stop and frisk, is a legal procedure in which a law enforcement officer briefly detains an individual (the "stop") and, if there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous, conducts a limited pat-down search of their outer clothing for weapons (the "frisk"). This action is permissible under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when an officer has reasonable, articulable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity. It is a less intrusive measure than an arrest and requires a lower legal standard than probable cause.

Here are some examples illustrating a field stop:

• Example 1: Suspicious Activity Near a Closed Business

  An officer is patrolling a quiet commercial district late at night. They observe an individual repeatedly peering into the windows of a closed electronics store, then attempting to open the front door, and quickly retreating into the shadows when a car passes. Based on this behavior, the officer develops a reasonable suspicion that the individual might be attempting to burglarize the store. The officer approaches the individual, identifies themselves, and asks what they are doing. The individual is not free to leave at this point, which constitutes the stop. During the interaction, the officer notices a significant bulge in the individual's jacket pocket and observes the individual subtly trying to shield it. Fearing it could be a weapon, the officer conducts a quick pat-down of the outer clothing to check for weapons. This limited search is the frisk.

• Example 2: Responding to a Crime Description

  Police dispatch broadcasts a description of a suspect involved in a recent armed robbery at a gas station: a male wearing a distinctive red baseball cap, a dark hoodie, and jeans, last seen running down a specific street. An officer patrolling that street spots an individual matching this exact description a few blocks away, walking quickly and looking over their shoulder. The officer has reasonable suspicion that this person may be the robbery suspect. The officer pulls over, exits their vehicle, and instructs the individual to stop and put their hands where they can be seen, initiating the stop. Given that the original crime involved a weapon, the officer has a reasonable belief that the individual might still be armed. To ensure their safety and the safety of others, the officer performs a quick pat-down of the individual's outer clothing to check for weapons. This action is the frisk.

• Example 3: Observing a Potential Drug Transaction

  An officer is on foot patrol in a park known for illegal drug activity. They observe two individuals exchange a small, unidentifiable item for cash in a quick, furtive manner. As the officer approaches, one of the individuals quickly shoves something into their waistband and turns away, avoiding eye contact. The officer has reasonable suspicion that a drug transaction has just occurred. The officer stops both individuals, stating they are investigating a potential drug offense, and asks for identification. This is the stop. Because the officer witnessed the individual quickly conceal an object in their waistband—a common place to carry a weapon—and given the context of a suspected drug deal (which often involves weapons), the officer has a reasonable belief that the individual might be armed. The officer then conducts a limited pat-down of the waistband area and other outer clothing to check for weapons. This is the frisk.