What constitutes "reasonable suspicion"?

"Reasonable suspicion" refers to a legal standard that allows law enforcement to briefly detain an individual for investigative purposes based on specific and articulable facts that suggest possible criminal activity. This means that the officer must have a legitimate reason to suspect a person is involved in criminal conduct and must be able to clearly articulate those reasons if challenged.

The basis of reasonable suspicion is that it is supported by more than just vague hunches or gut feelings; it requires concrete observations or evidence that can justify the suspicion. For instance, if an officer observes someone engaging in behavior that is typical of drug dealing or sees someone scoping out a residential area late at night, these specific behaviors provide a foundation for reasonable suspicion.

This legal threshold is essential in protecting individuals' rights, ensuring that officers do not act solely on stereotypes or unproven conclusions. In contrast to other options, which rely on generalized feelings or uncorroborated information, reasonable suspicion is anchored in factual evidence. This is what distinguishes it from mere assumptions or anonymous tips that lack context and specificity.