What must an officer demonstrate to legally stop and question a person?

To legally stop and question a person, an officer must demonstrate reasonable suspicion. This standard requires that the officer has specific and articulable facts that lead them to believe that a person is, was, or will be involved in criminal activity. Reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold than probable cause, allowing officers to take action based on their observations, training, and experience, rather than needing concrete evidence that a crime has occurred or is occurring. This legal framework supports law enforcement's ability to engage with individuals when there is a legitimate basis for concern while balancing the rights of those being questioned.

The other options do not apply to the legal standard for a stop and question scenario. Public approval is not a factor in determining an officer's right to stop someone; rather, the focus is on the officer’s observations and knowledge. Probable cause is a higher standard that is typically required for arrests or obtaining search warrants, making it unsuitable for initial investigative stops. Lastly, prior permission from a supervisor is not required for an officer to engage in a stop; officers are trained to act based on their own judgment in the field within the bounds of the law.