Define "reasonable suspicion" in the context of traffic enforcement.

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard used in traffic enforcement that allows law enforcement officers to temporarily detain a vehicle based on specific, articulable facts that suggest the driver may be involved in criminal activity or may pose a threat. This concept is critical because it balances the need for effective law enforcement with individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

In the context of traffic stops, an officer may have reasonable suspicion if they observe behavior that is unusual for a driver, such as swerving, driving at inconsistent speeds, or engaging in reckless actions. The key factor is that the officer must be able to point to particular facts or circumstances—rather than a mere hunch or assumption—that justify the stop. This brief detention allows the officer to investigate further, which could involve checking the driver's license, registration, or asking questions to ascertain the driver's state of mind or condition.

Other definitions or standards, such as needing "complete proof of a crime," are much higher thresholds and do not apply at this stage of enforcement. Similarly, the belief necessary for an officer to stop a suspect must be based on specific observations or pieces of evidence, not just a general belief that all drivers might be doing something wrong. Therefore, reasonable suspicion serves as an essential tool for law