What is required to perform a stop and frisk according to established legal standards?

To lawfully perform a stop and frisk, an officer must have reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity and that the person may be armed and dangerous. This standard is less than probable cause, which is needed to make an arrest or obtain a search warrant. Reasonable suspicion allows officers to briefly detain and question a suspect when they have specific and articulable facts that lead them to believe that the individual may be engaged in illegal behavior. Furthermore, if the officer believes the individual might be armed, they may conduct a limited pat-down of the outer clothing to ensure safety without a warrant or probable cause. This legal standard helps balance the need for officer safety and public protection with individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.