What is the correct definition of a frisk in law enforcement?

The definition of a frisk in law enforcement refers specifically to a pat-down of a person's clothing with the primary purpose of checking for weapons or contraband. This practice is often conducted when an officer has reasonable suspicion that an individual may be armed and dangerous, allowing for a limited search that is typically intended to ensure officer safety.

Frisking is not considered a full body search, which would require different legal justifications and procedures. Additionally, a visual search does not involve physically touching the individual and does not serve the same purpose of ensuring safety by checking for weapons. Finally, conducting a search only with a warrant is a standard legal requirement for more comprehensive searches, but it does not apply to the limited scope of a frisk, which can be performed based on reasonable suspicion without a warrant. Thus, the concept of a frisk is narrowly focused on patting down for immediate safety concerns, making the correct choice a pat-down of clothing for weapons or contraband.