What does the "stop-and-frisk" procedure involve?

The "stop-and-frisk" procedure primarily involves a brief detention and questioning of an individual based on a reasonable suspicion that the person may be involved in criminal activity. This practice allows law enforcement officers to stop an individual for a limited time and ask questions related to their behavior or circumstances. Additionally, it may also involve a limited pat-down for weapons if the officer believes the individual poses a threat to their safety.

This procedure is aimed at enhancing public safety by allowing officers to intervene before a crime occurs, provided they have a reasonable belief that criminal activity may be taking place. It is critical to differentiate this from other law enforcement actions, such as arresting individuals or conducting thorough background checks, which involve more extensive legal processes and requirements. Therefore, the essence of "stop-and-frisk" lies in the combination of temporary detention and the aim of preventing crime through proactive policing while respecting the individual's rights.