Which of the following is NOT an acceptable factor in determining probable cause?

Probable cause is a legal standard used in criminal law to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for making an arrest, conducting a search, or obtaining a warrant. The assessment of probable cause must be based on facts and circumstances that are reasonably trustworthy and can be articulated.

In this context, the choice regarding "Heard rumors from the community" is not an acceptable factor in determining probable cause. While community input can sometimes be valuable, rumors typically lack credible substantiation and do not provide a solid foundation for law enforcement actions. To establish probable cause, information must come from reliable sources or observable behavior rather than unverified hearsay, which can lead to false assumptions and misguidance.

On the other hand, suspicious behavior, previous convictions, and informant reliability are all considered legitimate components when establishing probable cause. Suspicious behavior is based on observable actions that may suggest illegal activity. Previous convictions can help establish a pattern of behavior that informs current assessments. Informant reliability refers to the credibility of an informant’s information, which can provide police officers with actionable intelligence when this information is corroborated by other facts. Each of these elements can contribute to a reasonable belief that a crime is being or has been committed, thus supporting the establishment of probable cause.