What is the primary purpose of frisking during a stop?

The primary purpose of frisking during a stop is to find weapons. This is based on the legal standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio, which allows law enforcement officers to perform a limited, pat-down search of a person's outer clothing when they have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed and poses a threat to the officer's safety or the safety of others. This protective measure is not intended to gather evidence of a crime or to conduct a comprehensive search but rather to ensure the safety of the officer and the surrounding public by ensuring that no weapons are present. The focus of the frisk is specifically on locating items that could be used to inflict harm, thereby justifying the limited nature of this action in the context of a stop and the officer’s duty to protect themselves and others.