Reasonable suspicion is the amount of evidence to make what?

• A. Make a traffic stop or investigatory detention
• B. Arrest a suspect
• C. Issue a search warrant
• D. File charges

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion is the level of justification that allows a law enforcement officer to briefly detain someone to investigate possible criminal activity. It rests on specific, articulable facts and reasonable inferences from those facts, viewed through the lens of what a typical, trained officer would reasonably conclude. This standard is lower than probable cause and is what supports a traffic stop or investigatory detention, not a full arrest. For example, erratic driving, a suspect described in relation to a crime in the area, or suspicious behavior that raises a reasonable belief something unlawful is afoot can justify a stop for a quick inquiry. If during the stop more information emerges that would establish probable cause, the situation can escalate; but solely on reasonable suspicion, the encounter remains a brief detention rather than an arrest. Arrests, issuing search warrants, and filing charges require probable cause rather than this lower standard.