What is required to conduct a street stop?

To conduct a street stop, the requirement is reasonable suspicion. This legal standard means that an officer must have specific and articulable facts that a person is involved in criminal activity. It is a lower standard than probable cause, which is necessary for making an arrest, and does not require a warrant or court order. Reasonable suspicion allows officers to briefly detain a person for further investigation based on observed behavior, tips, or other relevant information that suggests a potential crime may be occurring.

In practice, reasonable suspicion enables law enforcement to act quickly to prevent possible criminal activities and to ensure public safety while still respecting individuals' rights. This standard strikes a balance by allowing officers to take proactive measures while safeguarding against arbitrary or unjustified detentions.