Which of the following best describes "reasonable suspicion"?

"Reasonable suspicion" is characterized by having a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may be occurring or about to occur. This standard is lower than "probable cause," which is necessary for obtaining a warrant or making an arrest. Reasonable suspicion allows law enforcement officers to briefly detain individuals and conduct a limited inquiry based on specific and articulable facts, rather than mere intuition or a vague feeling.

This concept is essential for maintaining a balance between effective law enforcement and individual rights, allowing officers to act on observed behaviors, specific circumstances, or information received from reliable sources that might indicate criminal activity. Recognizing reasonable suspicion involves considering the totality of the circumstances in each case and ensuring that an officer's actions are reflected upon objectively.

The other options do not accurately capture the legal definition of reasonable suspicion. The idea of having solid proof describes a higher standard of probable cause, a hunch or gut feeling lacks the requisite basis in fact and is too subjective, and criteria for a search warrant pertains to a different legal threshold entirely.