What supports the belief that a crime is being committed according to probable cause?

Probable cause is a critical standard used in law enforcement to determine whether an officer has sufficient reason to believe that a crime is being committed or has been committed. Facts and circumstances that are within the officer's knowledge play a fundamental role in establishing this belief. This encompasses observable evidence, reports from witnesses, or any relevant information that an officer has gathered during their investigation.

Focusing on facts and circumstances allows for a more objective basis for making a judgment about probable cause. When officers rely on concrete evidence they have personally observed or verified, it strengthens the legitimacy of their belief that a crime may be occurring. This ensures that actions taken, such as searches or arrests, are grounded in something tangible rather than just speculation or intuition.

While witness accounts, confessions, and past criminal history can all provide additional context and support for an officer's suspicion, they do not encompass the entire scope of what the officer knows firsthand at the moment. Therefore, the contextual knowledge the officer possesses is essential for establishing probable cause.