What should an officer avoid during a frisk to ensure a legal search?

An officer should avoid touching areas that only a medical professional should during a frisk to ensure that the search remains legal. Frisking, or a pat-down search, is designed to ensure officer safety by allowing the officer to feel for weapons or items that could pose a threat. The search should be limited to areas that are reasonably believed to conceal weapons. When officers touch areas that are not relevant to weapon concealment, especially in sensitive areas like private parts, it could be argued that the officer overstepped their legal boundaries and violated the suspect's rights. Such actions may lead to claims of an unlawful search and can make any evidence obtained inadmissible in court.

In contrast, engaging with the suspect verbally, searching for small items in their pockets, or assessing unusual behavior may be part of the officer's duty to ensure safety and gather information, provided they do not infringe on the legal parameters governing the frisk itself.