What is reasonable suspicion?

Reasonable suspicion is defined as specific, articulable facts and circumstances that suggest a crime may be occurring or about to occur. This level of suspicion is more than a vague hunch or general assumption; it must be based on identifiable behaviors or indications that can be clearly articulated. For example, if an officer observes someone engaging in suspicious activity, such as loitering near a closed business at odd hours while frequently looking around, those observations may contribute to reasonable suspicion.

In contrast, general assumptions of potential wrongdoing do not meet the necessary threshold for reasonable suspicion, as they lack the concrete basis required for law enforcement to act. Similarly, the ability to make an arrest without further investigation pertains to probable cause, which is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion and requires a more substantial basis of evidence. Lastly, while past behavior may be considered in the context of establishing a pattern, relying solely on it without specific current facts undermines the requisite threshold for reasonable suspicion. Thus, the focus on specific, articulable facts is what clearly defines reasonable suspicion as a critical concept in law enforcement practices.