What is a stop, question and frisk encounter?

[jasonspade14]

I go to NY a lot. I don't carry anything illegal on me, but just in case I get stopped I wanted to know what is a stop, question and frisk encounter?

 

[kwalsh477]

When an officer reasonably suspects that someone has committed, is in the act or is just about to commit a felony or a Penal Law misdemeanor. The police officer has authorization by NYS Criminal Procedure law 140.50 stop, question and possibly frisk the suspect.