What does reasonable suspicion allow a police officer to do?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that allows a police officer to briefly detain an individual based on specific and articulable facts that suggest the person may be involved in criminal activity. This does not require the same level of certainty as probable cause, which is necessary for an arrest. When an officer has reasonable suspicion, they are justified in stopping the individual and conducting a limited search, commonly known as a "frisk," for weapons to ensure the safety of both the officer and the public.

This practice is grounded in the need for police to protect themselves and others during interactions with individuals who may pose a threat. The detention and frisk must be brief and based on the officer's belief that the person may be armed and dangerous, not merely based on a hunch or general suspicion.

In this context, the correct answer reflects the legal framework that allows law enforcement to act in situations where immediate action is necessary for safety without requiring the level of evidence associated with an arrest.