在理解“合理可能”时我们确实在处理一个可能性问题。这是一个依据事实情况和考虑实际后得出的考量结果。关键在于，这是从一个普通的、谨慎的外行人的角度考虑，而不是从一个与法律相关的专业人士的角度考虑，衡量已掌握的事实和情势，一个执行逮捕的警官是否。换而言之，是以第三人的角度去看待处于调查和被调查关系中的警察和嫌疑人；依据当时双方的情况尤其是考虑警察当时对事实和情势已获得的细节了解程度，衡量是否能有至少50%可能性相信确有犯罪已经正在或即将发生。

　　This paragraph contains the essence of what probable cause is. First, note that the Supreme Court states that the simple fact that Agent Marsh corroborated or verified Hereford''''s detailed information supplied probable cause. I cannot over-emphasize this: always take the time to personally verify as much of the information from a confidential or good-citizen informant as time and strategy will permit. The courts of this state appreciate personal verification by the affiant to a search or arrest warrant of the information provided by non-law enforcement personnel. You cannot help but enhance your credibility and strengthen your case by taking the time and effort to personally verify your information.

　　这段文字在内容上包含了什么是“合理可能”的本质。首先，要注意最高法院陈述道，特工马什补强并验证了线人赫尔夫德情报中的详细描述，正是这一事实提供了“合理可能”。因此警察必须花时间亲身去验证来自机密线人或是善良公民提供的情报信息，在时间和策略许可的条件下警察应当尽可能多的亲身验证其内容，无论如何强调这一点都不过分。亲身验证只会增加申请令状的可信性和力度。法院认为由作出宣誓存在“合理可能”并依此申请获得搜查令或是逮捕令的警官亲身去验证来自非法律执行人员提供的情报，法院认为这种做法十分值得推崇，这能加强申请令状时的可信度。

　　Next, you should pay close attention to the actual definition the court gives for probable cause... "probabilities...not technical...factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men...act." You use common sense to establish probable cause. There are no technical rules; just the same type of practical analysis of the situation you use everyday to make the countless decisions we all must make in our personal lives. You only need to establish a fair probability that a crime has occurred or that an item with a connection to a crime is in a place you want to search. This is generally much easier that many believe. Remember: you are dealing with common sense probability and not technical certainty.