What is the scope of a Terry frisk limited to?

The scope of a Terry frisk is specifically limited to a pat-down of the outer clothing of the suspect. This type of stop and frisk is designed to ensure officer safety by allowing a police officer to check for weapons without the need for a warrant or probable cause for an arrest. The rationale behind the Terry decision is grounded in the need for law enforcement officers to protect themselves and others from potential harm when they have a reasonable suspicion that an individual is armed and dangerous.

During a Terry frisk, the officer is not permitted to conduct a full search or delve into areas such as the suspect's inner clothing or personal belongings, like bags or backpacks, unless they have specific, additional evidence that warrants a more thorough search. The officer's actions must remain limited to what is necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of others in the immediate vicinity. This limitation helps balance the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights against unreasonable searches.