How is "reasonable suspicion" defined?

Reasonable suspicion is defined as a belief based on specific facts or circumstances that suggest potential criminal activity is occurring or will occur. This concept is key in law enforcement as it allows officers to take action, such as stopping and questioning individuals, when they have a particularized and objective basis for their suspicion. It is not merely a hunch or a gut feeling; rather, it requires some level of observable facts or evidence that leads an officer to suspect that criminal activity may be afoot.

Unlike vague feelings or assumptions based on stereotypes, reasonable suspicion is grounded in factual observations. For instance, if an officer notices a person engaging in behavior consistent with known criminal activity, such as looking into multiple cars in a parking lot late at night, this can create reasonable suspicion. The requirement for such a standard serves to balance the need for proactive law enforcement with the protection of individual rights against arbitrary stops or searches.