Define "reasonable suspicion" in the context of security.

"Reasonable suspicion" refers to a standard that enables a security officer to take further action when there are specific, articulable facts that lead them to believe that some wrongdoing may be occurring. It is not merely a hunch or instinct; rather, it is grounded in observable behaviors or circumstances that point to potential illegal or harmful activity.

When a security officer observes certain behaviors or circumstances—such as a person acting nervously while watching a restricted area or lingering in a place where they don't belong—these observations can accumulate to form reasonable suspicion. This allows the officer to approach the individual for questioning or further investigation without it being a violation of that person's rights, as long as the suspicion is based on more than just a vague feeling.

This concept is essential for security professionals, as it provides a legal and ethical framework for taking action, helping to maintain safety and security while respecting individuals' freedoms. In contrast, behaviors such as casual observation without any follow-up or instinct-based beliefs would not meet the legal criteria for reasonable suspicion and, therefore, do not empower an officer to intervene in a situation effectively. Similarly, reasonable suspicion does not necessitate an arrest, which requires a higher standard known as probable cause.