What is one criterion for loitering or prowling?

One criterion for loitering or prowling is that the defendant behaved in a manner causing alarm for safety concerns. This criterion is central to establishing that an individual’s presence in a particular area may not be innocent or benign. Law enforcement often looks for specific behaviors that suggest a potential threat or intent that deviates from that of an ordinary, law-abiding citizen.

For instance, if someone is observed standing in a high-crime area, moving in and out of shadows, or frequently looking around as if checking for police presence, this behavior can raise suspicion. It may lead law enforcement to conclude that the individual's actions could be linked to unlawful purposes, thus justifying intervention or arrest for loitering or prowling.

The other options, while they involve certain situational aspects, do not encapsulate the explicit behavioral indicators that typically accompany concerns regarding loitering or prowling. The focus is on behavior that creates a sense of unease, which aligns directly with the criterion provided.