In terms of crime investigation, what was the duration after which many cases were suspended with no leads?

In criminal investigations, the first few days following an incident are critical for gathering evidence and leads. Often, if significant progress hasn't been made within approximately 48 hours, cases can become increasingly challenging to solve. This time frame is essential because physical evidence can deteriorate, witnesses may forget details, and leads may become cold. As investigators pursue leads, if they do not yield results in this initial 48-hour window, the likelihood of solving the case diminishes, leading many investigations to be temporarily suspended with no substantial information to pursue.

In contrast, the other time frames, such as 72 hours or longer durations like 30 days and 2 weeks, do not align as closely with the initial urgency seen in criminal investigations. While investigations can still yield results after these longer periods, the intensity and immediacy of the first 48 hours are critical for a successful investigation.