New Mexico Security Guard Practice Exam

What defines "reasonable suspicion"?

1. A gut feeling about someone's intentions

2. Believing criminal activity is occurring based on specific facts

3. A suspicion that is generally held by society

4. Only evidence from surveillance footage

The correct answer is: Believing criminal activity is occurring based on specific facts

"Reasonable suspicion" is defined by the belief that criminal activity is occurring based on specific facts and circumstances. This legal standard requires more than just a vague hunch or intuition; it must be founded on observable behaviors, credible information, or other tangible evidence that a trained law enforcement or security professional can articulate. For instance, if a security guard observes someone engaging in suspicious behavior—such as attempting to gain unauthorized access to a building or acting erratically—they may form reasonable suspicion based on these specific behaviors. This standard is crucial because it provides a basis for further action, such as questioning an individual or conducting a stop and search, without violating legal rights. Other options do not accurately capture the essence of reasonable suspicion. A mere gut feeling lacks the necessary factual basis. A societal suspicion does not consider individual circumstances or specific observations. Lastly, while surveillance footage can provide evidence to support reasonable suspicion, it cannot exclusively define it; reasonable suspicion can still exist without direct evidence from such sources, as it encompasses a broader scope of observable factors.