What level of suspicion is necessary for law enforcement to seize a person?

Law enforcement is required to establish reasonable suspicion to seize a person. This level of suspicion is defined as a belief, based on specific and articulable facts, that a person may be involved in criminal activity. It is a lower standard than probable cause, which is necessary for obtaining a warrant or making an arrest. Reasonable suspicion allows officers to briefly stop and question individuals, or to conduct a limited search, provided they have specific reasons to believe that the person is engaged in wrongdoing.

This standard is significant because it balances the need for law enforcement to ensure public safety with individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. It avoids arbitrary stops and ensures that there is a legitimate reason grounded in observable facts, rather than mere hunches or generalized suspicions.