Which statement best describes reasonable suspicion?

Which statement best describes reasonable suspicion?

• A. Facts that prove a crime has occurred beyond a reasonable doubt
• B. Facts indicating a crime may be occurring and justify further investigation
• C. Mere rumor or hunch
• D. A court order

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion is specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable officer to believe that criminal activity may be afoot, justifying a brief stop and investigation. It sits between a mere hunch and probable cause: more than guesswork, yet not enough to arrest or charge. The facts must be objective observations or information, not rumors or personal feelings. An example would be seeing someone acting suspiciously in a high‑crime area, matching a suspect description, and then engaging the person to ask questions or briefly detain them for further inquiry.

Reasonable suspicion is specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable officer to believe that criminal activity may be afoot, justifying a brief stop and investigation. It sits between a mere hunch and probable cause: more than guesswork, yet not enough to arrest or charge. The facts must be objective observations or information, not rumors or personal feelings. An example would be seeing someone acting suspiciously in a high‑crime area, matching a suspect description, and then engaging the person to ask questions or briefly detain them for further inquiry.