What justifies investigative detention?

• A. Probable cause to arrest.
• B. Reasonable suspicion based on articulable facts that a person is engaged in criminal activity.
• C. A consent from the person.
• D. A search warrant.

Answer: (B)

Investigative detention is justified when an officer has reasonable suspicion based on articulable facts that a person is engaged in criminal activity. This standard, established in Terry v. Ohio, allows a brief stop to investigate and briefly question or assess safety, but it is less than the probable cause needed for an arrest. The facts must be specific and explainable in testimony, not just a hunch. Probable cause to arrest would justify taking someone into custody rather than a short detention; consent could justify stopping or defer to the voluntary nature of the interaction, and a search warrant authorizes a search, not a detention.