What is a key consideration for information to establish probable cause?

A key consideration for information to establish probable cause is the level of detail provided. Detailed information allows law enforcement officers to assess the facts of a situation accurately, bolstering their justification for taking action, such as making an arrest or conducting a search. For probable cause to be established, the information must be specific, articulate a clear link between the suspect and the crime, and provide enough context to support the belief that a crime has likely been committed.

General observations and beliefs, while they may offer a broad context, lack the specific, factual foundation necessary to substantiate probable cause. Similarly, the credibility tool used for assessment is important in determining how reliable the information is but does not inherently provide the specifics needed for probable cause. Lastly, past arrests of the suspect may inform an officer's judgment, but they alone do not establish a direct link to current suspicious behavior without specific details relevant to the present situation. Thus, the level of detail is crucial for substantiating probable cause effectively.