What may serve as a basis for reasonable suspicion?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard used in law enforcement that allows officers to stop and briefly detain a person for investigative purposes if they have a reasonable belief based on specific facts or circumstances that the person may be involved in criminal activity. The correct basis for reasonable suspicion is grounded in direct observations and the officer's personal training or experience.

When an officer observes specific behavior that aligns with known criminal activity or recognizes patterns based on their training, this can justify a stop. Such observations must be articulate, and the officer must be able to explain how those observations led them to suspect that a crime may be occurring or about to occur.

In contrast, the other options involve less reliable sources of information. Hearing rumors or relying on people’s vague assertions does not provide the concrete basis necessary for reasonable suspicion. Similarly, assumptions based on stereotypes do not involve direct evidence and can lead to biased actions that lack a factual basis. Hearsay from coworkers also does not constitute reliable, first-hand observation, which is necessary to establish reasonable suspicion. Therefore, personal observation, along with professional experience and training, remains the most sound basis for forming reasonable suspicion.