What term is used to describe a legal detaining of a person based on specific information about criminal activity?

The term "reasonable suspicion" is used to describe a legal standard that allows law enforcement officers to detain an individual based on specific and articulable facts that suggest the person may be involved in criminal activity. This standard is more flexible than "probable cause," which requires a higher level of belief that a crime has been committed or will be committed.

In practice, reasonable suspicion enables officers to investigate further, such as by asking questions or performing a stop-and-frisk, without needing conclusive evidence. This concept is crucial in law enforcement as it balances the need for police to address potential criminal behavior while respecting individual rights.

While "probable cause" also relates to law enforcement standards, it applies when officers seek a warrant or make an arrest, indicating a stronger level of belief based on facts. Other terms, such as "apprehension," typically refer to the act of arresting a suspect, and "search warrant" pertains to the legal authorization to search a specific location or individual for evidence of a crime, which is distinct from detaining a person based on reasonable suspicion.