Which phrase describes the frisk performed with the subject's consent to be searched?

• A. Pat down
• B. Custodial search
• C. Frisk without consent
• D. Strategic frisk, given consent by subject to be searched

Answer: (D)

Consent changes the basis for a frisk. A frisk is a quick, protective pat-down of the outer clothing to check for weapons. When the subject agrees to be searched, the frisk is still performed, but it’s a voluntary, consensual frisk rather than one justified by suspicion alone. Describing it as a strategic frisk given consent to be searched highlights that the search is based on the subject’s permission, not on probable cause or reasonable suspicion. It’s distinct from a frisk done without consent, and from a custodial search, which occurs in custody. While a pat-down is the common term for the physical action, the phrase that clearly conveys the consent aspect is a strategic frisk given consent by the subject to be searched.