What is defined as 'reasonable suspicion'?

'Reasonable suspicion' is established when a law enforcement officer believes that a person may be involved in criminal activity based on specific and articulable facts. This standard does not require the certainty of proof or definitive evidence of criminal intent, as seen in definite proof of criminal intent. Instead, reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold that allows officers to investigate further without making an arrest.

The distinction between reasonable suspicion and other standards, such as probable cause, is essential. Reasonable suspicion exists in situations where an officer observes behavior or circumstances that suggest unlawful activity, which is why the notion of believing someone may be involved in a crime encompasses the essence of reasonable suspicion.

In legal practice, this allows officers to perform stop-and-frisk procedures or limited detentions to gather more information without infringing on individual rights unnecessarily. Understanding this concept is crucial for law enforcement to operate within legal boundaries while ensuring public safety.