Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What does the term "stop and frisk" refer to?

1. A complete search of a person's belongings

2. A brief detention and search based on reasonable suspicion

3. A method of questioning by police officers

4. A type of vehicle search in traffic stops

The correct answer is: A brief detention and search based on reasonable suspicion

The term "stop and frisk" specifically refers to a brief detention of a person by law enforcement based on reasonable suspicion that the individual may be involved in criminal activity. This practice allows officers to perform a limited search, known as a frisk, for weapons or contraband to ensure their safety and the safety of others. The key element here is the reasonable suspicion standard, which is less than probable cause but still grounded in specific and articulable facts that suggest a potential threat. This concept is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, while also considering the need for officer safety and public order. The "frisk" part of the term involves a pat-down of the outer clothing to detect weapons, rather than a full search of a person's belongings, which differentiates it from other forms of searches that require warrants or probable cause. Therefore, the option accurately captures the legal definition of stop and frisk within the context of law enforcement practices.