What defines reasonable suspicion?

Reasonable suspicion is defined as the belief based on articulable facts. This means that law enforcement officers must have specific and objective observations that lead them to suspect that a person is involved in criminal activity. The standard for reasonable suspicion is higher than a mere intuition or hunch, as it requires that the officer can provide clear, factual reasons for their suspicion. This ensures that stops or searches are grounded in concrete evidence rather than arbitrary conclusions or feelings. By relying on articulable facts, law enforcement can justify their actions and maintain accountability, which is crucial for upholding the rights of individuals while ensuring public safety.