Practice Police Entry Practice Test

The scenario in which investigative detention is appropriate occurs when a police officer has reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. This principle is grounded in the need for law enforcement to balance public safety with individuals' rights. Reasonable suspicion allows officers to briefly detain a person for questioning if they believe that the individual may be involved in criminal activity based on specific and articulable facts.

In terms of context, reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause, which is required for an arrest. It recognizes that officers may need to investigate further when something seems off, without having enough evidence to formally charge someone. This guideline is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of policing while also protecting citizens from arbitrary detention.

The other scenarios listed do not align with the standards for investigative detention. Verified crimes in progress usually necessitate immediate arrest or intervention rather than a stop for questioning. Previous arrests do not automatically justify investigative detention; each encounter must be evaluated on its own merits. Lastly, investigative detention is not applicable when a case is under judicial review, as this refers to matters that are typically resolved within the court system rather than necessitating police intervention on the street.