Suspect, pronounced “suspect,” is the person whom police believe has committed a crime. A suspect may be identified from a witness description, mug shot, or from physical evidence such as DNA or fingerprints. Suspects are often named in the media when they are arrested or suspected, and their identities can be made public even when they are later exonerated, the case is dismissed, or they are convicted.
For example, when a witness says they saw someone run away from the scene of a rape, police will often use that information to search for and arrest a suspect. They often also name alleged assault victims in news stories and on social media, which can stigmatize them, interfere with their recovery, and entangle them in legal proceedings that can last for years.
Our work on Taylor Cadle’s case has raised questions about how police investigate reports of sexual assault, and it has influenced journalism practices and crime publication standards around sex crimes and trauma. In addition, it has inspired proposed policy shifts and been integrated into trauma-informed training for law enforcement and forensic nurses.
The story of Suspect reflects the wider context of the Toronto alternative video scene in the 1980s. It was a place where cult cinema could be viewed in the same space as more commercial fare, and it acted as a key point of entry into the film community. As a result, it has become more than just a rental store; it is now a cultural landmark.