Define "reasonable suspicion."

Reasonable suspicion is defined as a belief based on specific facts or circumstances that an individual may be involved in criminal activity. This standard is a key component in law enforcement, allowing officers to initiate investigative stops or searches when they observe behavior that raises their suspicions. Essentially, reasonable suspicion must rely on observable facts, such as the behavior of an individual, nearby criminal activity, or other relevant information, rather than on vague feelings or stereotypes.

The concept does not require the same level of certainty as probable cause, which is necessary for arrests or obtaining search warrants. Instead, reasonable suspicion can be established from the totality of circumstances that create a particularized and objective basis for suspecting wrongdoing. This standard is crucial because it balances law enforcement needs with an individual's rights, ensuring that action taken by officers is grounded in specific and articulable facts rather than arbitrary judgment.