What is the primary purpose of a pat frisk?

The primary purpose of a pat frisk is to ensure officer safety by checking for weapons. This procedure is a crucial component of law enforcement practices designed to protect officers during interactions with individuals, especially when there is a potential threat. A pat frisk involves a limited search of a person's outer clothing to detect any items that could pose a danger, such as firearms or sharp objects.

While searching for illegal substances or collecting evidence might be a part of a broader search or investigation, they are not the main focus of a pat frisk. The intent of this action is specifically centered on the safety of the officer conducting the interaction. Establishing rapport with a suspect is also not relevant to the pat frisk process; rather, a pat frisk is more about ensuring a secure environment. The training and protocols emphasize that safety is the foremost concern, which is why the focus is primarily on detecting weapons.