In terms of pedestrian contact, what is the minimum suspicion level to seize a pedestrian?

The minimum suspicion level required to seize a pedestrian is reasonable suspicion. This standard is derived from the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Reasonable suspicion is based on specific, articulable facts that would lead a law enforcement officer to believe that a person may be involved in criminal activity. This is a lower standard than probable cause, which is needed for arrests or the issuance of search warrants.

In the context of pedestrian interactions, reasonable suspicion allows officers to engage individuals to ask questions or conduct a brief stop. The officer must be able to articulate specific behaviors or circumstances that caused them to suspect the individual may be engaged in criminal conduct, rather than general suspicions or a mere hunch.

The other levels, such as zero suspicion, probable cause, and high suspicion, do not align with legal standards for seizing a pedestrian. Zero suspicion would imply that no justification exists for the police action, and probable cause is a greater threshold that requires more concrete evidence before arresting. High suspicion is not a formally recognized legal standard but might imply a greater level of suspicion than what is necessary for reasonable suspicion.