If you witnessed a crime, there are important things you should know to help police. Please watch this short video, “If You Witness A Crime, Here’s What To Do,” (total play time: 1.14). On a personal note, I have learned so much about police investigations from participating in three police citizens academies, serving on the grand jury (a 6-month commitment), and doing research for my fiction writing. Below are three things I believe are extremely helpful in identifying a suspect:
- What kind of shoes was the suspect wearing? Shoes are very distinct. Look at people’s feet and you’ll see. No two people will be wearing the same.
- Did the suspect have any tattoos or piercings? Again, tats and piercings are very distinct. The police photograph tattoos on people arrested and processed. They maintain a database just like fingerprints.
- Describe what he/she was wearing. Believe it or not, crooks commit multiple crimes wearing the same clothes. Maybe it’s their favorite outfit. It helps to link the suspect to other crimes, especially a serial criminal committing B & E or armed robbery.
