What triggers a permissible detention and stop?

• A. Mere curiosity.
• B. Reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activity.
• C. A hunch with no basis.
• D. Probable cause is required.

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion, a specific and articulable basis to believe that a person is involved in criminal activity, triggers a permissible detention and stop. This standard sits between a mere hunch and probable cause, and it allows a brief investigation to confirm or dispel the suspicion without full-blown arrest. The suspicion must come from the totality of the circumstances and be something an officer could reasonably credit as criminal behavior, not just curiosity or a gut feeling. For example, if someone is observed in a high-crime area repeatedly looking into parked cars, moving away when approached, and acting unusually evasive, these factors together can form reasonable suspicion. In contrast, purely curious interest or a hunch with no basis does not reach this standard, and probable cause is required for an arrest or more intrusive searches.