When
calling police to respond to suspicious or criminal
activity, it is important to give an accurate
description of the suspects and vehicles involved. This
will assist police in the apprehension of the criminals.
Call 911 when calling to report suspicious or criminal
activity in progress. Otherwise, call the Winter Haven
Police Department's nonemergency number, 863-291-5858.
Try to notice and remember the following characteristics
of a suspect, write them down and give the information
to police. When calling police to respond to suspicious
or criminal activity, it is important to give an
accurate description of the suspects and vehicles
involved. This will assist police in the apprehension of
the criminals.
(click to enlarge)
Physical description of suspect:
Sex - male/female
Race - white, Hispanic, black, Asian or unknown
Age - Estimate in a five-year span. Example: 20
to 25 years old
Height - Estimate in 2-inch blocks. Example:
About 5 feet, 8 inches, and use your own
height or surroundings on which to base your estimate.
Weight - Estimate in blocks of 10 pounds.
Example: 130 to 140 pounds
Build - Describe the frame and body type.
Example: Large, medium or small frame, heavy, slim,
stocky, frail.
Clothing - Start at the top and work down - hat
to shoes, noting the color, types, brands, prints and
logos.
Characteristics - These include any and all
distinguishing marks, scars, tattoos, speech patterns,
jewelry, eyeglasses, etc.
Direction and mode of travel - In what direction,
or toward what area did the suspect travel? And, if on
foot, bicycle, car, etc. Physical description of vehicle:
Color - Primary color and secondary color. Use
common colors when giving a
description. Example: red, black, yellow, white. Do not
use complicated colors such
as magenta, plum or fuchsia.
Make - example: Ford, Toyota, Chevy, Honda,
Chrysler
Body style - Example: Sedan,two-door, van, pick
up, mini van, wagon, convertible,
full size, compact, sport model, etc.
Year - Use approximate age, newer model - mid
90s. It is more realistic than using
the exact year.
License plate number - Specify numbers, letters,
state, and color/designs.
Characteristics - Unusual markings, body damage,
window tints, chrome or trim,
tires and wheels, engine or exhaust sounds
Direction of travel - Suspect was last seen
traveling north, south, east or west.
Some people fail to call police because they are not
aware of what seemingly
innocent activities might be suspicious. Others may
notice suspicious activity and
be hesitant to call for fear of seeming a "nosy
neighbor." Still others may assume
someone else has already called. The Winter Haven
Police Department handled
5,948 suspicious events/circumstances calls in 2007.
Don't worry about "bothering"
the police - that's their job, "to serve and to
protect."
Don't worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions
prove unfounded. Think instead of what could happen if
you don't act.
Amanda Miller is a crime prevention specialist for the
Winter Haven Police Department
When
calling police to respond to suspicious or criminal
activity, it is important to give an accurate
description of the suspects and vehicles involved. This
will assist police in the apprehension of the criminals.
