What constitutes "reasonable suspicion" in security practice?

"Reasonable suspicion" in security practice is defined as a belief grounded in specific and articulable facts that suggest a person is engaged in criminal activity. This concept is important because it allows security personnel to assess situations based on observable behaviors or circumstances rather than relying on mere intuition or assumptions.

For instance, if a security guard notices someone loitering around a restricted area while exhibiting suspicious behavior, this could lead to reasonable suspicion. The guard can then take appropriate action, such as investigating further or alerting law enforcement.

In contrast, having a vague feeling about a person lacks the necessary factual basis and does not meet the threshold for reasonable suspicion. Similarly, assumptions made without evidence do not provide the solid foundation needed for legal or effective action. Lastly, acting solely on hearsay can lead to misjudgments and inaction based on unreliable information, which undermines proper security procedures. Therefore, it is crucial for security personnel to rely on concrete facts when establishing reasonable suspicion.