Based on "reasonable suspicion," what can an officer do?

The concept of "reasonable suspicion" allows law enforcement officers to take certain actions based on their observations and the totality of circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that a crime is occurring, has occurred, or will occur. When an officer has reasonable suspicion, they are permitted to engage in what is known as a "stop and frisk," which involves stopping a suspect for questioning and conducting a limited search for weapons to ensure the officer's safety and the safety of others.

In this context, the ability to frisk a suspect for weapons is critical because it balances the need for public safety with the individual's Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. The frisk is not a full search; rather, it is a pat-down of the exterior of clothing to detect any concealed weapons. This action is justified if the officer has reasonable suspicion that the person may be armed and dangerous.

Other actions, such as making an arrest without cause, searching a suspect's home, or stopping a suspect without any reason at all, require a higher standard of evidence, such as probable cause, and therefore are not permissible solely based on reasonable suspicion. This ensures that individuals' rights are protected while still allowing law enforcement to act effectively in the interest of public safety.