A frisk, or limited search of a person, is limited to a search for ______________.

A frisk, also known as a limited search or a pat-down, is specifically designed to ensure officer safety by searching for weapons. This type of search is conducted under the principle of reasonable suspicion, where an officer believes that a person may be armed and poses a threat. The primary focus of a frisk is to identify any potential weapons that could be used to harm the officer or others in the vicinity.

The nature of a frisk is inherently limited, as it does not involve searching for items such as drugs, contraband, or documents. Instead, it is solely about ensuring that the individual does not possess any dangerous instruments, thereby maintaining safety during a police encounter. The legal framework surrounding a frisk supports the notion that it is a protective measure, reinforcing the emphasis on weapon detection rather than broader search objectives.