Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

According to Commonwealth v. Grey, a nervous suspect does not equate to which of the following?

1. Probable cause

2. Reasonable suspicion

3. Emergency intervention

4. Direct observation

The correct answer is: Reasonable suspicion

In Commonwealth v. Grey, the court emphasized that a suspect's nervousness alone is insufficient to establish reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion requires a specific, articulable basis for an officer to believe that a crime may be occurring or has occurred. While nervous behavior may be a factor that an officer considers in the context of a broader investigation, it does not provide enough evidence on its own to justify a stop or further questioning of a suspect. This case highlights that there must be additional circumstances or evidence that contribute to an officer's belief that criminal activity is afoot. In terms of the other choices, while probable cause is a higher standard that would require more definitive evidence than reasonable suspicion, nervousness can still contribute to a broader investigation that could lead to probable cause. Emergency intervention typically involves immediate action to prevent harm, which can stand on its own regardless of a suspect's behavior. Direct observation involves witnesses or evidence that directly points to criminal activity, which goes beyond mere nervousness.