Yup, the Mackenzie Lueck case was a prime example.
The chief went on tv to conduct an interview with a national broadcaster. As he was saying “we have no POI at this time,” law enforcement was almost simultaneously initiating a search of the POI’s house.
Little did we know, that he had already been called in for an interview, lied his butt off, and was a prime suspect.
It happens frequently. It’s actually why POI came to replace “suspect”. When a person is named a suspect it shuts them down and causes them to lawyer up. Also, it could have some implications when it comes to Miranda warnings. Because those are necessary when a reasonable person believes he or she is being detained and isn’t free to go. And being called a suspect can be part of that feeling.
So they changed it to POI. Now that’s falling out of favor as someone earlier posted.
They don’t want to alienate a suspect and get them to shut up. To lawyer up. To run. They don’t want them to know how close they are and possibly alter evidence. Right? So they don’t use even that much anymore.