-and-frisk

Stop-and-frisk, a practice law enforcement has used for decades, has recently become a lightning rod for discussion and controversy. The good news is that research shows stop-and-frisk has positive benefits that help maintain public safety.

First, stop-and-frisk can be an effective tool in preventing crime. Studies have found that as stops increase, crime decreases. Police departments around the country have implemented this tactic as a proactive measure, so that officers can identify potential criminals and dissuade them from committing crimes. In 2014, San Francisco was able to reduce its violent crime rate by eight percent. This reduction was directly linked to its adoption of stop-and-frisk.

Second, it can help identify criminals. By giving police officers the authority to check suspicious individuals’ IDs, they can determine if they are wanted by the police. If they are, they can be arrested and taken off the streets. Also, they can be searched for weapons, drugs, and other contraband. By confiscating illegal items, police can help ensure public safety.

Third, it gives police officers more flexibility to respond to changing circumstances. During a stop-and-frisk procedure, officers have the discretion to search people they think may be troublemakers or pose a danger to the public. This allows officers to be proactive, which can be an effective way of combating crime in crowded situations.

Finally, stop-and-frisk is conducted in accordance with the Fourth Amendment. A U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2013 found that “suspicionless” stops did not violate the Constitution, if police had reasonable suspicion that a crime may have been committed. This means that the stops are not arbitrary, and must be based on evidence of criminal activity.

Overall, stop-and-frisk is an important tool in crime prevention, one which research shows can help to reduce crime and protect public safety. Though the practice does come with some public outcry, the evidence suggests that, when done correctly, it can be beneficial.