What does the term "reasonable suspicion" refer to?

The term "reasonable suspicion" refers to a belief based on specific and articulable facts that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or will be committed. This legal standard is lower than probable cause, which requires a higher level of certainty for law enforcement to take certain actions, such as making an arrest or securing a search warrant. Reasonable suspicion allows law enforcement officers to engage in brief investigative stops and detain individuals for questioning when they have specific evidence leading them to suspect criminal activity.

In practical terms, this means that an officer must be able to articulate the facts that led to their suspicion, rather than relying solely on a gut feeling or an assumption based on a person's appearance. The emphasis on "specific and articulable facts" ensures that the standard is grounded in observable behavior or information, distinguishing it from mere conjecture.