What is a 'lead' in a criminal investigation?

A 'lead' in a criminal investigation refers to a piece of information that can help advance the investigation. This could be any relevant detail that can guide investigators toward discovering new evidence, identifying potential suspects, or uncovering additional details about the crime. Leads can come from various sources, including witnesses, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, or tips from the public.

In contrast, being a main suspect—while crucial—does not encapsulate the broader concept of a lead. Similarly, a specific direction related to a fingerprint may be a detail within a lead but does not represent the overall idea. The conclusion of an investigation is the endpoint of the process, which is the opposite of what a lead signifies, as it is about moving the investigation forward rather than concluding it. Therefore, understanding a lead as a piece of information is vital for investigators to utilize throughout the course of their work.