North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is required to initiate an investigative stop?

1. Arrest warrant

2. Probable cause

3. Reasonable suspicion

4. An eyewitness testimony

The correct answer is: Reasonable suspicion

To initiate an investigative stop, an officer must have reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that is lower than probable cause and is based on specific and articulable facts that suggest a person may be involved in criminal activity. This allows law enforcement to briefly detain a person and conduct a limited investigation, such as asking questions or performing a pat-down for weapons if necessary. This standard is designed to balance the need for law enforcement to act on potential criminal activity while protecting individuals from arbitrary stops. It does not require the higher threshold of probable cause, which is necessary for making an arrest. Therefore, the emphasis on reasonable suspicion as the correct answer highlights the essential legal framework that allows officers to engage with individuals based on their observations and experiences, fostering proactive law enforcement.