Investigative detention is based on which of the following?

Investigative detention is based on which of the following?

• A. Probable cause to arrest
• B. Reasonable suspicion to briefly detain
• C. Consent to be detained
• D. A warrant

Answer: (B)

Investigative detention rests on reasonable suspicion to briefly detain. This means an officer must have specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to suspect involvement in criminal activity. It allows a short, limited detention to investigate further without requiring the higher standard of probable cause needed for an arrest. The stop must be temporary and narrowly tailored to resolve the suspicion. A warrant isn’t required for a brief stop, and consent would make the detention voluntary rather than compelled. Probable cause to arrest, by contrast, would justify an arrest, not just a short investigative detention.

Investigative detention rests on reasonable suspicion to briefly detain. This means an officer must have specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to suspect involvement in criminal activity. It allows a short, limited detention to investigate further without requiring the higher standard of probable cause needed for an arrest. The stop must be temporary and narrowly tailored to resolve the suspicion.

A warrant isn’t required for a brief stop, and consent would make the detention voluntary rather than compelled. Probable cause to arrest, by contrast, would justify an arrest, not just a short investigative detention.