How does Reasonable Suspicion differ from Probable Cause?

Reasonable suspicion is indeed a lower standard than probable cause. This concept is fundamental in law enforcement, defining the thresholds necessary for various actions by officers. Reasonable suspicion arises from specific, articulable facts combined with rational inferences that a crime may be occurring or may have occurred. This standard allows officers to briefly detain individuals for investigatory purposes without necessarily having a warrant or probable cause.

Probable cause, on the other hand, is a higher standard of belief that a crime has been committed and is required for obtaining search and arrest warrants, as well as initiating arrests. The distinction between reasonable suspicion and probable cause is crucial for law enforcement decision-making.

Given this context, the correct answer reflects the fundamental legal principles distinguishing these two concepts, making clear that reasonable suspicion permits actions based on a lower threshold of evidence compared to probable cause.