Which standard is higher, reasonable suspicion or probable cause?

Probable cause is the higher standard between the two, which is essential in the context of law enforcement. It refers to a reasonable belief, based on factual evidence, that a crime has been committed or that specific evidence of a crime exists, justifying actions such as arrests or searches. Law enforcement officers must gather sufficient evidence to establish probable cause before taking significant actions that intrude upon an individual's rights, such as obtaining a search warrant or making an arrest.

In contrast, reasonable suspicion requires a lower threshold, where law enforcement officers have specific and articulable facts suggesting that a person may be involved in criminal activity. This standard allows officers to stop and briefly detain individuals for further investigation but does not permit the same level of intrusive action without further evidence supporting probable cause.

Understanding the distinction between these two standards is vital for law enforcement as it guides the appropriate actions they can take in various situations while ensuring the protection of individuals' rights.