Understanding Frisking
Frisking is a term commonly used in English to describe the act of quickly running one’s hands over the outer clothing of a person to search for weapons, drugs, or other concealed items. It is typically done by law enforcement officers, security personnel, or other authorities to ensure the safety of individuals and prevent illegal activities.
Legal Basis
Frisking is conducted based on reasonable suspicion, where the person being frisked is believed to be armed or carrying illegal contraband. This practice is regulated by laws to protect individuals from unwarranted searches and seizures.
Examples of Frisking
- A police officer frisks a suspect before placing them in a police car.
- Security personnel frisk individuals entering a high-security event to prevent any potential threats.
Case Studies
In a study conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), it was found that the stop-and-frisk policy in New York City disproportionately targeted minority communities. This raised concerns about racial profiling and the violation of civil rights.
Statistics on Frisking
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, there were over 50,000 frisks conducted by law enforcement officers in 2019. The majority of these frisks were conducted on male individuals between the ages of 18-34.