What must be established for a Temporary Seizure or Investigative Stop?

To establish a Temporary Seizure or Investigative Stop, it is necessary to demonstrate reasonable suspicion that a crime is occurring or about to occur. This legal standard is less than the probable cause required for a full arrest, but it must be based on specific and articulable facts that lead the officer to believe that criminal activity may be afoot.

This principle is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Officers must have a reasonable belief, derived from their training, experience, and observations, that criminal activity is taking place, thus justifying the investigative stop without the need for a warrant.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the legal requirements for a Temporary Seizure or Investigative Stop. A search warrant is not necessary for this type of stop, as the officer may act on reasonable suspicion without prior judicial approval. Similarly, a valid arrest warrant is not required for an officer to initiate an investigative stop, since this is a lower standard. Lastly, officers are not obligated to notify the suspect in advance of the stop; the element of surprise can often be crucial in law enforcement situations.

Thus, reasonable suspicion stands as the foundational requirement for initiating a Temporary Seizure or Investigative Stop.