Blue to Gold | University

Reasonable suspicion is an important standard that allows officers to act quickly and effectively when investigating crime. It’s less demanding than probable cause but still requires officers to justify their actions in court. Knowing how to apply and articulate reasonable suspicion can make a big difference in the success of your cases.

In Reasonable Suspicion Deep Dive, you’ll learn what reasonable suspicion really means, how to recognize it in the field, and how to document it clearly. We’ll break down the landmark case that established this standard and give you practical tips for writing solid reports.

What You’ll Learn

• Terry v. Ohio
  Learn the key details of the Supreme Court case that created the reasonable suspicion standard and why it matters.
  
  

• What Reasonable Suspicion Means
  Understand how courts define reasonable suspicion and what factors support it.
  
  

• Articulating Reasonable Suspicion
  Get tips for writing reports that explain reasonable suspicion clearly and in a way that holds up in court.

By the end of this class, you’ll be ready to recognize, use, and explain reasonable suspicion confidently. You’ll know how to apply this standard in your daily work and make sure your cases are solid.

Certificate: 1 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states