What does reasonable suspicion require from the officer?

Reasonable suspicion requires an officer to have specific and articulable facts that suggest that criminal activity may be occurring. This standard is higher than just a gut feeling and must be based on observations, behaviors, or information that lead the officer to believe that a crime is in progress or about to occur. It involves evaluating the totality of the circumstances, which may include the context in which the observed behavior occurs, the environment, and any other relevant details that could point to potential criminal behavior.

In contrast to the other options, having merely a gut feeling lacks the necessary foundation required for reasonable suspicion. Prior knowledge of an individual's criminal record, while potentially informative, does not automatically provide a basis for reasonable suspicion unless there are accompanying facts or circumstances suggesting current criminal activity. Similarly, requiring witnesses to confirm a suspect's actions is not a prerequisite for establishing reasonable suspicion; legal standards allow officers to act based on their observations alone when they meet the requirements for reasonable suspicion.