stop and frisk

noun

1. a policy that permits a police officer to momentarily detain and pat down or search a person suspected of criminal activity, especially when suspected of concealing a weapon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stop and frisk¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

He has called for a return to old policing tactics that have raised constitutional concerns in the past, such as “stop and frisk” and “broken windows” policing; has suggested police shouldn’t be “too nice” while arresting suspects; and has dismissed the need for federal oversight of police departments.

From Los Angeles Times

He has said he would fund police to go after criminals and immigrants who are in the country without authorization in new, proactive ways, including through old strategies such as “stop and frisk.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the lived experience of this country, that means that you can't possibly know what to expect if somebody pulls you over and somebody wants to search your bag, if somebody wants to stop and frisk you.

From Salon

It’s Abbott’s version of “stop and frisk.”

From Los Angeles Times

In 2013, Judge Shira Scheindlin was hearing testimony in a federal lawsuit in which multiple advocacy groups claimed that the Police Department’s aggressive “stop and frisk” policy was racially biased and unconstitutional.

From Salon