Which statement about reasonable suspicion is correct?

• A. It is identical to probable cause
• B. It is stronger than probable cause
• C. It is a legal standard of proof less than probable cause
• D. It has no legal standing

Answer: (C)

Reasonable suspicion is the threshold that lets an officer briefly detain someone and investigate suspected criminal activity. It is not as strong as probable cause, which is required to arrest or search. It must be based on specific, articulable facts and rational inferences from those facts, viewed in the totality of the circumstances. This standard is enough to justify a short stop and initial questioning, and it can support actions like bringing in a trained dog to assist the investigation, but it does not-by itself-justify a full arrest. If more evidence later develops, the situation can rise to probable cause for an arrest or a more extensive search. So, reasonable suspicion is a legal standard of proof less than probable cause.