What is the purpose of background checks in criminal investigations?

The purpose of background checks in criminal investigations primarily lies in verifying the history and connections of individuals involved. Conducting these checks allows investigators to gather crucial information about a person's past, such as any previous criminal activity, affiliations, and relevant experiences that may impact the investigation. This comprehensive view of an individual's background can help establish motives, relationships, and potential suspects or witnesses, thereby providing critical insights and context for the ongoing investigation.

In contrast, generating leads for the investigation, while possibly an indirect effect of conducting a background check, is not its primary purpose. Meanwhile, assessing public opinion on a case or preparing public statements for the media are not directly related to the investigative process itself, but rather concern external communication and community engagement aspects. Therefore, verifying history and connections is foundational to building a thorough and informed investigative strategy.