Which factor is NOT typically considered in determining RAS?

The factor that is not typically considered in determining reasonable articulable suspicion (RAS) is related to weather conditions at the time of the stop. RAS is a legal standard used primarily in the context of stop-and-frisk situations, and it focuses on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding a suspect's behavior and the officer's observations.

In establishing RAS, officers will look at factors such as the appearance of the suspect, as that can offer physical clues indicating suspicious behavior or intent. The actions of suspects, as observed by the officer, are crucial because those behaviors can be indicative of criminal activity or intent. Similarly, information conveyed by third parties, such as tips or reports from informants, often plays a significant role in helping an officer form a basis for suspicion.

Weather conditions, while potentially influencing other elements of an encounter, do not directly contribute to the assessment of RAS. They are generally deemed irrelevant to the determination of whether an officer has enough reasonable grounds to suspect someone is engaged in criminal behavior. This distinction is crucial for understanding how law enforcement operates within the legal frameworks governing search and seizure.