What happens if no arrest is made within 12 months?

When no arrest is made within 12 months, the case is considered inactive. This means that law enforcement and prosecutors will not pursue the case further unless new evidence comes to light that justifies a renewed investigation or arrest. The concept of a case being inactive after a certain period, such as 12 months, is often based on statutes of limitations or practical law enforcement practices, which help to manage and prioritize active investigations.

This process allows for a more streamlined legal system, where resources can be focused on cases that are more likely to result in prosecution. Although it doesn't prevent future action if new evidence arises, after a year without arrest, the situation reflects a stance that the case may not be pursued any further. Thus, it's important to recognize that while the case may remain open in a technical sense, it becomes inactive from an operational perspective.