By the FBI's definition, what is needed to clear a crime?

To understand why clearing a crime involves multiple components, it's essential to explore what each of these elements represents in the context of law enforcement and the FBI’s standards.

An arrest signifies that law enforcement has taken legal action against an individual suspected of committing a crime. It is a critical step but does not stand alone as a measure for clearing a crime.

Identifying a suspect is equally important. It involves pinpointing an individual linked to the criminal act, which aids in the pursuit of justice. This step adds context to the investigation and can lead to an arrest.

Lastly, the discovery of evidence is fundamental to establish a connection between the crime and the suspect. Evidence can include physical items, witness testimony, or forensic analysis, all of which build a case against the identified suspect.

These three components—arrest, suspect identification, and evidence discovery—work in tandem to provide a comprehensive approach to clearing a crime. Therefore, the requirement for all three is reflected in the conclusion that a crime is cleared using these criteria together. This holistic approach aligns with law enforcement practices intended to ensure thorough investigations and resolutions to criminal activities.