Person of Interest: Understanding This Key Law Enforcement Term

What Does ‘Person of Interest’ Actually Mean?

In criminal investigations across the United Kingdom and other Western nations, the term ‘person of interest’ has become increasingly prevalent in police communications and media coverage. “Person of interest” is a term used by law enforcement in the United States, Canada, and other countries when identifying someone possibly involved in a criminal investigation who has not been arrested or formally accused of a crime. Despite its widespread use, the designation carries significant weight for those named and raises important questions about the balance between public safety and individual reputation.

The Legal Status and Origin

Unlike terms such as ‘suspect’ or ‘material witness’, ‘person of interest’ occupies a grey area in legal terminology. It has no legal meaning, but refers to someone in whom the police and/or domestic intelligence services are “interested”, either because the person is cooperating with the investigation, may have information that would assist the investigation, or possesses certain characteristics that merit further attention. While terms such as suspect, target, and material witness have clear and sometimes formal definitions, person of interest remains undefined by the U.S. Department of Justice. This phrase was first utilized by law enforcement in 1986, during the investigation of the Green River Killer. It was coined by Fae Brooks, a member of the King County Sheriff’s Department at the time of the investigation.

Key Distinctions from Other Terms

While the two terms may be used interchangeably, there is a difference between a person of interest and a suspect. A suspect is someone whom police believe may actually have committed a crime being investigated. A person of interest is someone police want to talk to for information about the case. This distinction is crucial, as being named a person of interest does not necessarily imply guilt or even strong suspicion of criminal activity.

The Risks and Controversies

The use of this ambiguous term has generated considerable debate among legal experts and civil rights advocates. Some attorneys, criminologists and media experts say using the loose term “person of interest” can tarnish the person’s reputation, mislead the public, and possibly hurt the investigation. Using the phrase is a way for authorities to draw attention to the person without formally accusing them, they say. The term gained notoriety following high-profile cases where individuals were publicly identified as persons of interest, only to be later exonerated, leaving lasting damage to their reputations.

Implications for Those Named

For individuals identified as persons of interest, the designation can have profound consequences. When police say you are a “person of interest,” it can sound like you are not in real trouble. In practice, the label often means investigators want information, leverage, or a statement they can use to build probable cause. Legal experts strongly advise anyone named as a person of interest to seek legal representation immediately, as statements made during this phase can significantly impact any subsequent proceedings. The phrase continues to be used by law enforcement agencies globally, striking a delicate balance between investigative transparency and individual rights.