How to provide a suspect description

If you report suspicious activity, it’s helpful to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

Main characteristics

These are the most common characteristics to include when you provide a suspect description:

  • Sex
  • Race
  • Age
  • Height
  • Weight

Other characteristics

These kinds of characteristics are sometimes harder to report, but they are helpful if you know them.

Face and head

  • Hair color and style
  • Eye color
  • Glasses
  • Mustache, beard, sideburns
  • Complexion

Clothing

Look for obvious identifiable aspects of how the person is dress. Color and type of clothing is key. Note any specific unique or identifiable elements like logos.

  • Hat
  • Shirt
  • Coat
  • Tie
  • Pants
  • Shoes

Weapon

  • Pistol
  • Revolver
  • Rifle
  • Knife

Distinguishing characteristics

  • Tattoos
  • Scars
  • Accent
  • Speech impediment
  • Gait or limp
  • Amputations