What differentiates a frisk from a full custodial search?

The differentiation between a frisk and a full custodial search is primarily based on the intent and scope of the search. A frisk is a limited pat-down of a person's outer clothing, typically conducted by law enforcement officers to ensure that the individual is not carrying any weapons. This type of search is conducted for officer safety and is based on a reasonable suspicion that a person may be armed and dangerous.

On the other hand, a full custodial search is a more extensive examination of an individual's body and belongings, performed typically after an arrest. This search aims to find evidence related to a crime and is performed with a higher level of authority than a frisk. The criteria for conducting a full search are much broader than those for a frisk, which is limited to the immediate concern of safety.

The context of the other options further supports why the choice regarding the differences is accurate. For example, the notion of requiring a warrant applies differently to the searches: a full custodial search does not typically require a warrant if it occurs during an arrest, while a frisk does not require a warrant either, as it is based on reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause. The distinction between public and private areas does not inherently define the nature of a frisk or a custodial search but rather