Information is the best tool to fight crime. The information citizens provide the Division of Police is invaluable to us. If you would like to pass along information about a crime, please keep the following in mind:
Details are important! The more details you can give about a crime, the better. Be as specific as you can. Some examples are included below. If you don't have all these details, give what information you do have. All information counts. However, please keep in mind: Your personal safety is important! Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation in order to gather information for the police. Provide what information you have and let us take it from there.
Citizen knowledge and cooperation can be a police officer's greatest asset. Thank you for helping us to fight crime.
Examples of details to watch out for:
Suspect Information:
Be as descriptive about the suspect(s) as possible. Note sex, age, weight, race, hair color and style, and any specific markings such as scars and/or tatoos. If the person wears any specific articles of clothing or jewlry, glasses, has false teeth, all of that is important. If you know any name or nickname that the person may use, that is very important. If you know the name(s) of friends and/or associates, note that as well.
Vehicle Information:
Even a partial license plate can be helpful when attempting to identify a vehicle. Notice any damage or characteristics that are specific to that car, ie, bumper stickers, unusual colors, etc. Try to get a look at the driver.
Day of the Week / Time of Day:
Perhaps you don't notice anything special about the people that you see at a specific location, but you do know that the only time anyone is around is at certain times. That is important information. If the criminal activity takes place at certain times of the month, that is also important.
Specific information about the location:
What type of location is it? A house, an apartment, an alley or vacant building? What color is it? Where are the entrances and exits located?
Lookouts:
The more information we have about lookouts, the better we can prepare for surveillance. Note specifics details (sex, race, hair color/style, age, clothing) about any lookouts. Also note the locations where they stand and any type of signals that they may be giving.
Weapon / Pet information:
Are there any pets or weapons at the location. What type? How many? Where are they kept within the location?