Define 'reasonable suspicion' in the context of law enforcement.

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard used by law enforcement that requires specific, articulable facts that suggest a person is involved in criminal activity. This concept is pivotal because it allows officers to initiate brief stops and investigations when they observe behavior that raises suspicions, even if those suspicions do not meet the higher threshold of probable cause needed for an arrest.

For instance, if a police officer observes someone acting suspiciously in a high-crime area, the officer can briefly detain the individual to ask questions or check for identification based on those specific observations. This is a proactive approach that can prevent crime and enhance public safety while still respecting individuals' rights.

In contrast, the other options lack the necessary connection to specific, factual evidence required to justify an officer's actions. A mere hunch or gut feeling does not provide the legal backbone needed for reasonable suspicion. Similarly, a legal requirement to make an arrest is tied to probable cause rather than reasonable suspicion, which is a lower standard. Lastly, an opinion without factual basis does not meet any legal criteria and undermines the necessary justification for law enforcement's engagement with the public.