What is reasonable suspicion?

• A. A high standard of evidence required for an arrest
• B. A legal standard of proof in United States law that is less than probable cause
• C. The same as probable cause
• D. A feeling without any basis

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion is the level of justification that lets an officer briefly detain someone to investigate and, in some cases, to conduct a limited frisk for weapons. It is a legal standard in United States law that is less than probable cause. It must be based on specific, articulable facts and the totality of the circumstances, not on a mere hunch or vague feeling. The assessment is made from the perspective of a reasonable officer in the situation, considering observable behavior, location, time, and any inferences drawn from experience. If during the brief detention new facts emerge that amount to probable cause, officers may broaden their actions accordingly. This differs from probable cause, which requires a higher level of evidence to justify an arrest or a search with a warrant.