What defines "reasonable suspicion"?

The concept of "reasonable suspicion" is fundamentally rooted in specific, articulable facts that lead an officer to believe that a person is, or may be, involved in criminal activity. This definition is critical in law enforcement because it provides the legal basis for an officer to engage with a suspect, such as stopping or questioning them. "Reasonable suspicion" is more than just a vague feeling or intuition; it requires a clear and objective basis derived from observable actions or facts.

This standard helps protect the rights of individuals while allowing law enforcement to prevent crime effectively. When officers act on reasonable suspicion, they are expected to articulate the specific reasons for their suspicion, which could include the person’s behavior, location, or other relevant factors.

The other choices do not align with the legal definition of reasonable suspicion. For instance, an officer's hunch not grounded in specific facts lacks the necessary substance to justify any law enforcement action. Similarly, general assumptions or feelings of discomfort do not meet the criteria needed to establish reasonable suspicion, which must be based on concrete evidence or clear observations.