Probable cause is defined as which of the following?

• A. A mere hunch by the officer
• B. Evidence beyond reasonable doubt
• C. A reasonable ground to suspect that a person has committed or is committing a crime or that a place contains specific items connected with a crime
• D. A policy directive by the department

Answer: (C)

Probable cause means having a reasonable basis for believing that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime is present. It’s more than a gut feeling, but it’s not as strong as the evidence needed to convict someone. The judge or magistrate looks at the facts and circumstances known to the officer and decides if a reasonable person would believe that crimes occurred or that items connected to a crime are where they’re described.

The best choice captures this standard: it describes a reasonable ground to suspect that a person has committed or is committing a crime or that a place contains specific items connected with a crime. It’s based on actual facts and circumstances, not on mere hunches. It’s also not the higher bar of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt (that’s for conviction) and not a department policy directive.

So, the correct concept is a reasonable basis to believe something connected with a crime exists, derived from the surrounding facts and circumstances.