What does reasonable suspicion involve in terms of evidence?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard used in law enforcement that sits between a mere hunch and probable cause. It allows officers to engage in brief stops and detentions if they have specific, articulable facts that lead them to believe a crime may be afoot. This means that reasonable suspicion is based on the officer’s observations, training, and experience along with the circumstances at hand, which could indicate that criminal activity is occurring or about to occur.

For example, if an officer observes someone exhibiting suspicious behavior in a high-crime area, that could contribute to making a determination of reasonable suspicion. This standard is less stringent than probable cause, which requires more substantial evidence that a crime has been committed or will be committed. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essence of reasonable suspicion by highlighting that it is more than just a vague feeling but still falls short of the rigorous evidence required for establishing probable cause.

Other options imply a higher level of certainty or different types of evidence that do not fit the definition of reasonable suspicion. Therefore, the correct understanding emphasizes that reasonable suspicion is a nuanced threshold that supports proactive policing while balancing individual rights.