What does reasonable suspicion allow LEOs to perform?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard used in law enforcement that allows a law enforcement officer (LEO) to briefly detain a person for the purpose of questioning and limited investigation if they suspect that the individual is involved in criminal activity. This standard is not as high as probable cause, which is required for an arrest.

In the context of a Terry stop, named after the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, reasonable suspicion permits officers to stop and question a person for further examination when they observe behavior that raises suspicions of criminal behavior. During this stop, the officer may also perform a limited pat-down search for weapons if they believe the person might be armed and dangerous. This action is within the scope of what reasonable suspicion allows and is essential for maintaining officer safety and effective law enforcement.

The other options involve higher legal standards or broader authorities that are not granted under reasonable suspicion. For instance, an arrest requires probable cause, a warrant is generally needed for a search unless exigent circumstances are present, and while surveillance can be initiated under reasonable suspicion, it generally does not involve the immediate interaction with a person like a Terry stop does.