What does “reasonable suspicion” refer to in law enforcement?

"Reasonable suspicion" is defined as a belief supported by specific and articulable facts that justify a law enforcement officer in making a stop or conducting further investigation. This standard is less demanding than "probable cause," which is required for obtaining a search warrant or making an arrest. In practice, reasonable suspicion must be based on observable facts or circumstances, allowing officers to act on their observations when they suspect that an individual may be involved in criminal activity.

The key aspect of reasonable suspicion is that it is not based on mere intuition, a general hunch, or unfounded assumptions. Instead, it relies on a combination of the officer’s training, experience, and the particular context of the situation at hand. This concept is essential in protecting citizens' rights while also giving law enforcement the authority to investigate potential unlawful behavior without the necessity of overwhelming evidence.