Reasonable suspicion for a frisk is to suspect that a person is armed and presently dangerous.

• A. To arrest a person
• B. To suspect that a person is armed and presently dangerous
• C. To gather evidence
• D. To confirm identity

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion for a frisk centers on officer safety. A frisk, or pat-down, is allowed when the officer reasonably suspects the person is armed and presently dangerous, so the officer can quickly determine whether a weapon is present and reduce the risk of harm. The goal is to keep the situation safe, not to search for evidence or to arrest. The frisk is limited to a quick outer-layer check for weapons; if nothing is found, the encounter can proceed without further intrusions. If a weapon is found, it can be seized and may lead to further lawful actions, but any deeper search or evidence collection requires a different justification. Identity confirmation isn’t the primary purpose of a frisk and can occur through other lawful means.