NCJ Number
122042
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Unconditional use of restraining devices as well as suspect frisks and searches are critical basic police work habits.
Abstract
In Terry v. Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled that a police officer, for purposes of his own safety, can do a cursory search of a suspicious person before actually arresting that individual. The frisk search is utilized only during the investigatory stage when working with a suspect. A frisk search does not always reveal things that may be hidden on the suspect's body such as weapons designed to look like harmless objects. However, closer inspection reveals that these objects are weapons of opportunities such as pens that transform into knives. Several incidents are recounted to enforce good basic police work habits.