In an officer's interaction with a citizen, the term 'reasonable suspicion' is defined as what?

The concept of 'reasonable suspicion' is crucial in law enforcement, as it provides the legal basis for officers to investigate further or make an arrest based on the specific circumstances they encounter. A belief based on facts or circumstances is the correct understanding of reasonable suspicion because it requires law enforcement officers to have specific, articulable facts or inferences that a crime may be occurring or is about to occur. This is not merely a vague hunch or an assumption without evidence; rather, it is a conclusion drawn from the totality of circumstances that can be objectively viewed and justified.

When an officer has reasonable suspicion, it allows them to stop and briefly detain an individual for questioning, provided that their suspicion is anchored in observable behavior or credible information. Therefore, this standard helps protect citizens' rights while allowing law enforcement to perform their duties effectively and within the bounds of the law.