Define "stop and frisk".

"Stop and frisk" refers specifically to a brief, investigatory stop made by law enforcement officers when they have reasonable suspicion to believe that a person is involved in criminal activity and may be armed and dangerous. During this encounter, officers may conduct a quick pat-down or frisk of the individual’s outer clothing to ensure they are not carrying any weapons. This practice is grounded in the need for police officers to ensure their safety while investigating potentially criminal behavior.

The key elements of this definition include the brevity of the stop, the requirement of reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause, and the focus on the immediate need to check for weapons. This distinguishes it from longer detentions or interrogations, which would not qualify as a "stop and frisk." Hence, the answer accurately characterizes the legal parameters and purpose of the stop and frisk procedure, which is critical for understanding police practices in relation to arrests and searches.