What constitutes 'Reasonable Suspicion' in a law enforcement context?

Reasonable suspicion in a law enforcement context is grounded in facts or circumstances that suggest criminal activity may be occurring or may have occurred. This standard requires more than mere intuition or a hunch; it involves observable evidence or specific behavior that leads an officer to believe there is a reasonable justification for further investigation. For example, if an officer notices someone acting suspiciously in an area known for drug activity, this could provide a basis for reasonable suspicion to stop and question that individual.

The other options do not represent valid criteria for reasonable suspicion. A clear admission of guilt, while compelling, is not always necessary for establishing reasonable suspicion. An officer's personal feelings or beliefs are subjective and do not provide a factual basis for suspicion. Lastly, while a report from a third-party observer could contribute to forming reasonable suspicion, it alone does not meet the standard unless backed by direct observation or corroborative information.