When recording a suspect description for an incident report or BOLO, the most defensible approach is:

Question

Accepted Answer

Use a systematic head-to-toe descriptor: estimated sex, race/ethnicity (perceived), age, height, weight, build, hair (color, length, style), eyes (color, distinguishing features), facial hair, complexion, scars/marks/tattoos, glasses/jewelry, then clothing (head, upper body, lower body, footwear, accessories), and any direction/mode of travel

Answer

Describe only general impressions such as 'average build, regular clothes', because a vague description cannot later be shown to have been wrong and therefore cannot be used to attack the guard's credibility on cross-examination at a trial held months after the incident

Answer

Describe only the single most distinctive feature the guard noticed, on the theory that one memorable detail is far easier for a responding officer to act on than a long list of characteristics that has to be read out over the radio while the suspect is still moving

Answer

Avoid all physical descriptors in order to prevent profiling claims, and describe instead only what the person was doing at the time and which direction they went when they left the premises after the incident had ended

When recording a suspect description for an incident report or BOLO, the most defensible approach is:

Explanation

Related questions on this topic