Police have powers to stop and frisk anyone for questioning based on “reasonable suspicion” if they suspect criminal activity. As a form of self-defense, an officer may pat down a suspect in order to search for weapons. This process is referred to as “stop and frisk.” Running from the police is enough of a reason for a “stop and frisk.” The “frisk” is limited, but it can lead to a full blown search and possibly, an arrest.

A suspect who has been arrested by the police must be read his Miranda rights if the police intend to charge him and use any verbal evidence in his prosecution. Under the constitutional amendments as discussed, everyone has a right to silence and to have an attorney present during interrogation. The police must make the suspect aware of these rights.