Final answer:
The patrollers, who were the slave owners' enforcers, were not required to have a reason to stop a person. They had the authority to stop and question anyone, particularly African Americans, whether they were enslaved or free.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patrollers, who were the slave owners' enforcers, were not required to have a reason to stop a person.
They had the authority to stop and question anyone, particularly African Americans, whether they were enslaved or free. The main purpose of patrollers was to maintain control and discipline among the slave population and to prevent any possible attempts at rebellion or escape.