Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

A frisk or pat down is not a full __________.

1. Inspection

2. Search

3. Examination

4. Survey

The correct answer is: Search

The correct answer, "search," is appropriate because a frisk or pat down is a brief, limited procedure performed by law enforcement to ensure safety by checking for weapons or dangerous items. Unlike a full search, which involves a more thorough examination of a person's belongings or body, a frisk is specifically focused on the outer clothing, without disturbing or inspecting anything located within pockets or personal items. The practice is primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of the officer and others nearby, rather than gathering evidence or conducting a comprehensive investigation. This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal limitations and guidelines surrounding police procedures. In contrast, the other options—inspection, examination, and survey—do not accurately reflect the legal and procedural framework that defines a frisk as being entirely distinct from a search. "Inspection" and "examination" imply a more in-depth look into personal belongings or body, which is not what a frisk entails. "Survey," while it might suggest looking over an area, does not convey the specific and focused nature of a frisk as a safety measure.