Stop and frisk basics

An officer briefly detains you on the street and pats down your outer clothing.

• To stop you, an officer generally needs reasonable suspicion that you are involved in a crime.
• To frisk (pat down outer clothing), an officer generally needs reasonable suspicion that you are armed and dangerous.
• A frisk is limited to outer clothing and is not a full search of your pockets or bags.
• You may state that you do not consent to a search, even if officers proceed.

Common phrases people may choose to use.

• "Am I being detained?"
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• "I do not consent to a search."
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• "I want to remain silent."
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• !Whether the legal standard is met depends on the specific facts.
• !If you believe the stop or frisk was unlawful, it is generally safer to challenge it later through legal channels than on the street.

• ✓Do not physically resist the frisk.
• ✓Keep your hands visible.
• ✓Do not reach into your pockets or bags.