Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

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Study for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Ace your exam and advance your career with confidence!

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What is the primary requirement for a police officer to detain a suspect according to Terry v. Ohio?

  1. A reasonable belief that the suspect has committed a crime

  2. A probable cause for arrest

  3. An eyewitness account of the crime

  4. An accusation from another individual

The correct answer is: A reasonable belief that the suspect has committed a crime

The primary requirement for a police officer to detain a suspect, as established in Terry v. Ohio, revolves around the concept of reasonable suspicion. This legal standard allows an officer to stop and briefly detain a person if they have a reasonable belief that the individual may be involved in criminal activity. This means that an officer does not need the higher standard of probable cause, which is often required for arrests, but rather must have specific and articulable facts that suggest the person may be engaged in, or about to engage in, criminal behavior. In this context, reasonable suspicion is based on the totality of circumstances observed by the officer, which might include the suspect's behavior, location, or other relevant factors. Therefore, the assertion of a reasonable belief that the suspect has committed a crime is pivotal for a lawful detention under Terry v. Ohio, distinguishing it from other requirements that would be necessary for more invasive actions such as arrest or search.