What Is Considered Probable Cause?

Observing

• A police officer might use things they observe to justify the use of probable cause. Officers might detect smells such as alcohol or marijuana which could give them probable cause to investigate. Strange behavior can also peak interest and raise suspicions.
  
  

Knowledge

• Police officers might use their knowledge of the streets when assessing probable cause. Using what they know regarding gang colors or customs to spot potential trouble makers. They might also use their awareness of the tools of the criminal trade to identify intent to commit crime.
  
  

Logic

• Police officers might need to use a process of elimination to find their probable cause. If it is clear a crime has been committed and only a select group of people could have been involved they must eliminate possibilities. Once the possibilities are narrowed down enough and there is only one logical suspect probable cause may come into play to find proof.