What must an officer identify to meet the RAS standard?

To meet the standard of reasonable articulable suspicion (RAS), an officer must identify the crime they suspect is being committed and the factors that led to that belief. This is crucial because RAS requires more than just a vague hunch; it necessitates specific, observable facts that indicate suspicious behavior.

For example, if an officer observes someone engaging in behavior consistent with narcotics trafficking, they need to articulate those observations, such as unusual movements or interactions commonly associated with drug sales. This specific identification of both the suspected crime and the factors that contribute to that suspicion are what give the officer the lawful basis to detain or investigate further.

In contrast, identifying the officer's badge number does not provide any context or foundation for suspicion. Similarly, while knowing the exact location of an incident may be relevant, it does not alone fulfill the requirement for RAS without accompanying suspicion of a crime. As for the identity of witnesses, while useful, it is not a necessary component for establishing RAS, which focuses more on the officer's observations and the rationale behind their suspicions.