Which statement describes reasonable suspicions?

• A. The facts or circumstances that reasonably indicate that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a violation of the law.
• B. A hunch with no supporting facts.
• C. A proven fact beyond a reasonable doubt.
• D. A personal feeling of guilt.

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion is the level of certainty that allows a brief investigative stop based on objective facts. It comes from the totality of the circumstances—specific facts that a reasonable officer could rely on, which together indicate that criminal activity may be afoot. This is more than a mere hunch but less than the probable cause needed for arrest or formal charges. The description that fits this standard states that the facts or circumstances reasonably indicate that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a violation of the law. That captures the necessary objective basis for a stop or investigation.

A hunch with no supporting facts does not meet this standard, a proven fact beyond a reasonable doubt is the threshold for conviction, and a personal feeling of guilt has no bearing on legal suspicions.