What does reasonable suspicion allow police to do?

Reasonable suspicion allows police officers to conduct a stop and frisk based on articulable facts. This legal standard requires that officers have specific and objective facts that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that someone is involved in criminal activity. The concept emphasizes the need for more than just a vague hunch or gut feeling; it mandates that the officer can articulate the rationale behind their suspicion.

In practice, this means that if an officer observes behavior that, in conjunction with their training and experience, suggests potential criminal activity, they can stop an individual to ask questions and may even perform a limited search for weapons. This is designed to ensure officer safety while also balancing individual rights. The requirement for articulable facts distinguishes reasonable suspicion from mere intuition, making it a crucial element in law enforcement procedures.