Specific articulable facts, together with rational inferences from those facts that would reasonably warrant the detention of a person is _____

• A. Probable Cause
• B. Hunch
• C. Reasonable Suspicion
• D. Suspicion

Answer: (C)

Reasonable suspicion is the level of justification for briefly detaining someone to investigate. It requires specific articulable facts plus rational inferences from those facts that would lead a reasonable officer to believe the person may be involved in criminal activity. It’s more than a mere hunch but less than probable cause, which is needed for an arrest or a search. For example, seeing someone loitering near a store late at night, looking nervous, and attempting to avoid contact can amount to reasonable suspicion if the facts support a plausible inference of wrongdoing. A vague guess or stereotype, or a stop based on nothing concrete, would not meet this standard.