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

Which of the following best describes "reasonable suspicion"?

1. A conclusive proof of a crime

2. A belief based on specific facts that a crime may have occurred

3. An assumption without any specific basis

4. A situation that requires immediate legal action

The correct answer is: A belief based on specific facts that a crime may have occurred

"Reasonable suspicion" is a legal standard that is less than "probable cause" but more than a mere hunch. It is defined as a belief based on specific and articulable facts that suggest a crime may be occurring or has occurred. This standard allows law enforcement officers to engage in brief stops and investigations, as they have a particular rationale guided by observed behavior, circumstances, or information that supports their suspicion. In contrast, conclusive proof of a crime requires a higher threshold, as it indicates definitive evidence that a crime has taken place, which is not what reasonable suspicion entails. An assumption without any specific basis does not provide the necessary factual support for law enforcement actions, thus failing to meet the criteria of reasonable suspicion. Lastly, while situations requiring immediate legal action may arise, that concept relates more closely to emergencies or exigent circumstances rather than the foundational idea of reasonable suspicion itself. This distinction emphasizes the importance of having observable facts or circumstances as the basis for forming a reasonable suspicion.