What is required for a valid investigative stop or detention?

A valid investigative stop or detention is founded on reasonable suspicion, which is a standard that is less than probable cause but more than a mere hunch. Law enforcement officers must have specific and articulable facts that suggest a person is involved in criminal activity to justify the stop. This standard allows officers to act in real-time situations where they may not have the complete evidence needed for probable cause but still have a legitimate reason to investigate further.

Probable cause, while necessary for arresting an individual or obtaining search warrants, is not required for a temporary detention or stop. Full consent is not a requirement for an investigative stop; it merely means that an officer can engage someone voluntarily if the person chooses to agree. Witness corroboration, though helpful in validating evidence or actions, is also not a prerequisite for initiating a stop. Therefore, reasonable suspicion is the critical standard that allows law enforcement to take prompt actions to ensure public safety and investigate potential criminal behavior.