If a peace officer has mere suspicion, what action can they take regarding questioning a person?

A peace officer with mere suspicion is permitted to approach and question a person. This action is based on the understanding that suspicion alone does not constitute probable cause for an arrest, but it does allow for an investigatory stop or brief interaction. It is important to note that mere suspicion is a lower standard than reasonable suspicion, which is necessary for a stop and frisk.

When an officer has mere suspicion, they can engage the individual to gather more information and assess whether further action is warranted. This questioning can occur in a public space where individuals do not have an expectation of privacy, and the officer is not violating any laws by simply initiating a conversation.

Therefore, the ability to approach and question an individual under circumstances of mere suspicion aligns with the permissible actions of law enforcement within the legal framework of the Fourth Amendment, which allows for investigative stops based on reasonable suspicion rather than requiring proof of criminality or probable cause.