At the checkpoint, if your PRD reads number 9, what should you do?

At the checkpoint, if your PRD reads number 9, what should you do?

• A. Reasonable suspicion
• B. Probable cause
• C. Stop and search
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the level of justification required to take a searching action at a checkpoint. When the PRD shows that probable cause is met, you have enough specific, articulable facts to believe that evidence or contraband will be found, so you may proceed with a stop and search. This standard is higher than reasonable suspicion, which only supports a brief stop and further questioning, not a full search. Choosing to do nothing would ignore the indicated standard, since probable cause permits the search. Remember that probable cause is based on the totality of the circumstances and must be documented and conducted within policy and legal limits.

The main idea here is the level of justification required to take a searching action at a checkpoint. When the PRD shows that probable cause is met, you have enough specific, articulable facts to believe that evidence or contraband will be found, so you may proceed with a stop and search. This standard is higher than reasonable suspicion, which only supports a brief stop and further questioning, not a full search. Choosing to do nothing would ignore the indicated standard, since probable cause permits the search. Remember that probable cause is based on the totality of the circumstances and must be documented and conducted within policy and legal limits.