In Oregon, what is the concept of "reasonable suspicion"?

The concept of "reasonable suspicion" in Oregon refers to a belief that is grounded in specific facts or circumstances, rather than just a vague feeling or intuition. This legal standard is essential for law enforcement and security personnel, as it allows them to take action when they have concrete reasons to suspect that someone may be involved in criminal activity.

For example, if a security guard observes someone acting suspiciously—such as repeatedly checking their watch while loitering in front of a store—this behavior, when combined with specific contextual factors (like the time of day, location, or prior incidents in that area), may rise to the level of reasonable suspicion. This allows security personnel to investigate further, such as asking questions or monitoring the situation.

In this context, it is clear that reasonable suspicion is not about merely having a hunch or gut feeling (which would be the first option) or about assuming guilt without evidence (which would contradict due process principles). It also does not rely solely on past criminal records, as that information does not automatically lead to suspicion without current, observable behavior to support it. Therefore, the emphasis on specific facts distinguishes reasonable suspicion as a more valid and actionable standard within law enforcement and security operations in Oregon.