What term describes a limited physical search for weapons, typically involving outer clothing?

• A. Limited physical search for weapons
• B. Casual exterior scan
• C. Pat down
• D. Full body search

Answer: (C)

A pat down is a quick, limited physical search of a person to check for weapons, focused on the outer clothing. It’s done to ensure safety when there’s reason to suspect the person might be armed, and it’s intentionally non-intrusive, involving hands feeling over the outside of garments rather than removing clothing or probing beneath. This description directly matches the scenario described: a brief search for weapons that primarily involves outer clothing and keeps intrusion to a minimum.

That’s why it’s the best fit. A full body search would be far more invasive and typically requires stronger justification or a different process. A casual exterior scan isn’t a recognized term for a purposeful safety search, and the phrase “limited physical search for weapons” aligns with the standard practice and terminology used in law enforcement for this situation.