Create A Clear Picture of Suspects

One of the most critical pieces of evidence in any criminal encounter is a clear description of the suspect. Yet it is often the most flawed with some innocent person being convicted of crimes they had nothing to do with and police officers being sent on search missions with a description of the suspect that is the complete opposite of reality.

This happened in the case of one bank robbery I heard about during which the Bank Manager had a rifle barrel inches from her head during the ordeal. After the robbers fled and the police arrived she told then that the suspect was stocky and obese with black hair so for some time this was the type of person they were looking for but they never found him – because in reality he was quite tall, muscular and had blond hair. Another witness luckily had also observed him and when this person came forward with a more accurate description the police were able find him and lay charges.

The Bank Manager couldn't believe how her description was the complete opposite of what the person actually looked like – but then the trauma of having an assault rifle pointed at your head can cause your mind to play games like that.

This faulty description problem is a big one for police forces throughout North America and the rest of the world. It is not as easy as you might think to capture an accurate picture of somebody, sometimes in just a few seconds and then recreate accurately for police artists and investigators. And it is one reason why more and more I try to carry a good digital camera (some cell phone cameras I hear are excellent) when I do security in case I need to get that accurate description of a suspect.

Just remember that while in most areas of North American it is quite legal to take a picture of a person on the street some persons will get quite agitated if they even think you are taking a picture of them. So always make sure that you do not endanger your safety while doing and that you have the permission of the security agency that you are working for.

If you choose not to use a camera you can still create more accurate descriptions of suspects by regularly working on your description skills before something happens. You came do this both while you are working as well as during your time off when you are out in public. Just make a habit of taking a good look at people passing you on the street once in a while ( Don't stare of course.) Then after they have passed try to recreate that person visually in your mind in as much detail as possible.

It is like learning to ride that bicycle when you were a child. At first you were quite rough. But the more you practiced the better you became. Learning to recreate a person's appearance after only a quick glance is just like that. Before long you will get better and better. And you will be only be a big asset to your security agency, their client, and the police but you will also be able to detect anybody who might be stalking you quickly as you will remember faces from the past much easier.