SCCJA Legals 1 Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for SCCJA Legals 1

The correct response highlights a fundamental principle in the context of conducting frisks for weapons or contraband during a stop. The primary purpose of a frisk is to ensure the safety of the officer and others by detecting weapons that may pose a threat. The limitation on manipulating objects within clothing is based on the need to balance officer safety with individual rights.

Frisking allows for a pat-down of outer clothing only, and officers are generally not permitted to manipulate objects within clothing unless they have probable cause to conduct a more in-depth search. This restriction ensures that an officer's actions remain reasonable and constitutionally compliant, focusing solely on detecting weapons without infringing on personal privacy or conducting more invasive searches without sufficient justification.

Thus, the assertion that manipulation is strictly prohibited is accurate, as any action beyond a simple pat down could violate rights and lead to legal complications. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to established procedures to protect both officer safety and individual rights.