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

“We will reform a broken stop-and-frisk policy to protect the dignity and rights of young men of color,” he bellowed.

From The Daily Beast

The reason was simple, stop-and-frisk was the high profile cause that grabbed headlines.

From The Daily Beast

But a seemingly undue reliance on stop-and-frisk in particular caused tensions in minority neighborhoods.

From The Daily Beast

Can he change stop-and-frisk without plunging New York back into crime?

From The Daily Beast

The mayor-elect turned serious when asked how the appointment jibed with his call for the curtailment of stop-and-frisk.

From The Daily Beast