A police stop based on observing a suspect leaving a store with unpaid merchandise is justified by which concept?

• A. Probable cause to arrest.
• B. No legal basis for the stop.
• C. Reasonable suspicion sufficient to briefly stop and investigate.
• D. A firm conviction of guilt.

Answer: (C)

The event is explained by reasonable suspicion that justifies a brief stop and investigation. When an officer observes someone leaving a store with unpaid merchandise, that creates a specific, articulable circumstance suggesting possible shoplifting. Under the stop-and-investigate standard, this allows the officer to briefly detain the person to confirm or dispel the suspicion and gather more information. It’s a limited interference aimed at determining whether there is probable cause for arrest, not a full arrest itself. It’s not lacking any legal basis, and it isn’t based on a guaranteed guilty verdict—these stops are about quick, factual checks in the moment. While not all such stops lead to arrest, the initial police action rests on reasonable suspicion rather than proof of guilt or an unconditional certainty of wrongdoing.