Do You Know How To Describe A Suspect?
Auxiliary officers from the 112th Precinct distributed flyers last week warning the community about an increase in burglaries.
One of the steps that neighbors can take is to report something if they see something. Anyone who has video equipment in apartment buildings, stores or homes should make sure they are working.
This past year, the 112th Precinct used video images to arrest several suspected burglars.
We have information that people saw strangers in a backyard and did not call 911 immediately. Instead, they shared the information with each other. We must let police know.
We can help protect our community.
The 112th Precinct Community Council has a Block Watchers program. You can come to our meeting and find out how to become a block watcher.
When you see someone suspicious on your block, call 911 and give a detailed description. Do not attempt to interrupt crimes in progress, confront a suspected individual or reveal your suspicions.
However, do record as many details as possible about the activity and the suspect and notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Here’s how to profile and describe a suspect to a 911 operator:
– Be systematic. Look at the person from head to toe. Compare him or her with yourself (is he/she taller, shorter, heavier, older?).
– Look for the person’s hair color, length and style, as well as any facial hair.
– Watch for any distinguishing features or marks, as well as eye color.
– Notice the type and color of clothing the person is wearing.
– Inform the 911 operator of the person’s sex, race, complexion, estimated height, weight and age, physical build, hair, facial hair, clothing and distinguishing features.
You should also try to notice the person’s method of travel, whether on foot, by car or public transportation. Note the direction in which a person is traveling. Try to be as accurate as possible.
When describing a vehicle, try to record the license plate number and get a description of the year, make, model and color, the type of vehicle, number of passengers inside, any damage or distinguishing marks to the vehicle and the direction in which it is traveling.
As far as your residence is concerned, remember to close all doors and windows, leave indoor lights and a radio on with a timer, activate a house alarm and leave the outside lights on.
The next meeting of the 112th Precinct Community Council will feature a forum on domestic violence. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday night, Mar. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the stationhouse located at the corner of Austin Street and Yellowstone Boulevard in Forest Hills.
* * *
Editor’s note: Heidi Harrison Chain is president of the 112th Precinct Community Council.
