What is a requirement for a valid investigative detention?

A valid investigative detention requires articulable cause, which means that law enforcement officers must have a reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in criminal activity. This standard is less than probable cause, which is required for an arrest, but still necessitates specific and articulable facts that justify the detention. The concept of articulable cause allows officers to briefly stop and question individuals when they observe behavior that raises suspicion. This requirement is essential to ensure that detentions are rooted in factual observations rather than arbitrary or capricious reasons.

In contrast to articulable cause, photographic evidence, witness statements, and a formal indictment serve different purposes within the justice system. Photographic evidence might support a case during prosecution, witness statements provide testimonies for or against a person, and a formal indictment signifies that formal charges have been made against an individual. However, none of these elements are necessary for the initial stage of investigative detention, which fundamentally relies on an officer's ability to articulate reasons for their suspicion.