What does the term 'suspect' refer to in criminal investigations?

The term 'suspect' in criminal investigations refers specifically to an individual who law enforcement believes may have committed a crime. This designation arises from evidence or behavior that links the individual to the criminal act in question, but it does not imply guilt. The suspect is typically someone who is under scrutiny during the investigation process, and authorities may gather more information, conduct interviews, or collect evidence related to this individual to either confirm suspicions or exonerate them.

In contrast, an individual providing information about a crime serves as a source of leads or insights into the case but does not possess a direct link to the crime's commission. A witness is someone who observes the criminal activity, potentially contributing crucial evidence; however, they are not implicated in the crime themselves. Lastly, a victim is the person who suffers harm as a result of the crime, which uniquely delineates them from the suspect.