Statistically, most persons of interests are likely suspects, that is true. However, as the law uses the term, it just means somebody who may have information leading to the arrest of the suspects, even if that information ends up implicating the person of interest themselves.
But it is not a legal term, that is also true.
“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.[1] It has no legal meaning, but refers to someone in whom the police 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.[2]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_of_interest
Oh hell, I didn’t realize you were Canadian. You really don’t know. It’s widely used by PIO‘s, but just out of political correctness. It carries no unique definition in American law. In American courts, the instant the cop has the slightest idea that this guy could possibly be involved in the crime, he is a suspect. It’s not when you have enough proof to charge him, or anything of that sort. It’s not when the evidence is starting to mount up. The instant the cop forms in his mind, the idea that “hmmm this guy could possibly be involved in this “, he’s a suspect. And then the investigation continues . The investigation may lead to him being charged, or cleared.
Even the article you posted says that
“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.[1] It has no legal meaning, but refers to someone in whom the police 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.[2]”
That is literally the textbook definition of a suspect. Someone possibly involved who has not been formally arrested or accused. And needs further investigation.
I have no idea what it might mean in Canada.