What level of suspicion justifies a stop?

• A. Probable cause to arrest
• B. Reasonable suspicion to stop
• C. Mere suspicion
• D. Reasonable suspicion to stop (correct)

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is that a police stop must be supported by reasonable suspicion—that is, specific, articulable facts and rational inferences from those facts indicating that criminal activity is afoot. This standard sits between a mere hunch and probable cause. A stop is a brief detention for investigation, so it must be grounded in what the officer can point to in the moment, not just a vague feeling. Probable cause to arrest would justify an arrest, not a stop, while mere suspicion or a hunch is not enough to detain someone. If the stop yields enough facts to create probable cause, an arrest or further searches may follow, but the initial detention itself hinges on reasonable suspicion to stop.