North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What does probable cause refer to?

1. Speculation about a suspect's intentions

2. The belief that a crime has or is being committed

3. A reasonable guess based on past experiences

4. A hunch about suspicious behavior

The correct answer is: The belief that a crime has or is being committed

Probable cause refers to the belief that a crime has occurred or is currently taking place, based on factual evidence or circumstances that lead a reasonable person to conclude that a crime has likely occurred. This standard is critical in law enforcement as it provides the legal basis for actions such as obtaining search warrants or making arrests. In a legal context, probable cause is more than just a feeling or intuition; it requires specific facts or evidence that would lead a reasonable officer to suspect criminal activity. This principle protects citizens' rights by ensuring that law enforcement actions are grounded in objective criteria rather than mere speculation. The other options suggest less robust reasoning. Speculation about a suspect's intentions or a hunch about suspicious behavior lacks the necessary factual basis to meet the legal standard of probable cause. A reasonable guess based on past experiences does not provide the concrete evidence needed to justify law enforcement actions either. Thus, the belief that a crime has occurred or is occurring is the defining characteristic of probable cause.