Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a quick pat down of outer clothes?

1. To search for stolen goods

2. To check for weapons

3. To find contraband

4. To gather information

The correct answer is: To check for weapons

The primary purpose of a quick pat down of outer clothes is to check for weapons. This procedure is essential for ensuring the safety of both the officer and others present during an encounter. When an officer performs a pat down, they are assessing whether an individual poses a threat by carrying any dangerous items, specifically firearms or other weapons. The nature of this quick pat down is grounded in the need for a thorough yet efficient protective measure. Officers are trained to identify the contours of potential weapons through the clothing without conducting an invasive search. This method allows them to maintain both safety and a level of respect for individual privacy. In contrast, searching for stolen goods or contraband typically requires more extensive searches that go beyond a simple outer clothing pat down, as those searches involve seeking out specific items that are not inherently dangerous. Gathering information does not directly relate to the physical safety measures intended by the pat down. Hence, the primary focus remains on identifying potential weaponry during this initial contact.