One of the more common calls police officers respond to are calls about “suspicious” people or activity. This is one of our basic duties, and is a primary way the community helps us prevent crime.
Unfortunately, if a resident calls the police and simply reports that another person is “acting suspicious”, and then provides only a very basic description, and on top of that wants to remain anonymous, then the chances of the police being able to locate and LEGALLY stop the suspicious person are greatly hampered. Of course, if an officer actually observes the person doing something illegal then they can justify the stop, but that is usually not the case.
With that in mind, we want to provide some tips on providing us tips!
1. Provide as complete of a description as possible.
The sex and race is normally not enough, but that is all the information we receive in the majority of the cases. Include the clothing description, especially anything that stands out (i.e., certain colors, or writing/logos on clothing). For vehicles, the color and license plate are most important. If you know the make and model, provide that also.
If you don’t know, then just provide the type of car (i.e., 2-door, 4-door, SUV, truck). Again, provide anything that stands out that would help the officer recognize he has the right car (i.e. certain lights not working, any body damage to the car, bumper stickers, etc.).
2. Tell the dispatcher why you think the person is suspicious.
Examples might be: You’ve never seen the person in the neighborhood before and they are driving or walking around very slowly and appear to be casing houses and parked cars; The person tried to avoid being seen; They match the description of the suspect(s) from a previous crime; You saw them actually do something like try to open car doors, get into a house, open mailboxes, etc.
The point is, you can’t just say “suspicious” without saying why. Sometimes you think it’s just your gut telling you the person is suspicious, but if you really think about, you’ll be able to put your finger on something in particular.
3. Tell the dispatcher which way you last saw the suspicious person or car heading, and how long ago.
This helps the officers know where to start looking. Always report the activity as soon as you can. You’d be surprised how often we get calls like, “Suspicious car seen 30 minutes ago.” Of course, we’ll respond to those calls also, but what do you think the chances are of actually finding anyone?
4. This last one is a big one. Please tell the dispatcher you are willing to be contacted if necessary.
You can even say, “I wish to remain anonymous, but I am willing to be contacted by the officers if necessary.” That means the officers can still keep your name out of the report, but in the eyes of the courts you are no longer anonymous.
This is important because truly anonymous citizens are presumed by the courts to be “unreliable”, which means the officers have to observe something themselves before they can legally stop the suspicious person or car. On the other hand, a citizen that can later be identified (if necessary) is not considered anonymous, and they are automatically considered reliable and to be telling the truth. This allows officers to make detentions based solely on what the citizen reported seeing.
Depending on the severity of the suspicious activity you observe, you can either report it to 9-1-1, or call the non-emergency number. In Brentwood, that number is (925) 778-2441.
Information provided by the Brentwood Police Officers Association
5 comments
We’ll done. Very useful. Hope I don’t have to use it.
Thanx for info
Keep up the good work & be safe
Well reason why people wish to stay anonymous is becuase what happens is I make a call about somthing suscpicious or somthing happening in the neighborhood and I give my name and address The Police officer automatically comes to my door first when I have nothing to do with the situation by then what ever crime that is occuring or was about too occur the person or person’s along with neighbors see who called the cops then next thing I know my family members are getting herassed or intimidated So now I along with everyone else does is make anonymous call some people I know want to call the police but afraid and dont want the officer coming to there door so I inform them just tell them you wish not to give your name. I just also remembered another point I think you should inform the public about is letting people know they can wish no contact Cuz see people can get very mad for someone calling the police on them you have to realize we have good citizens who want safe neighborhoods and many times crimes will not occur with a officers presence near by criminals get spooked and often take off so when a call comes in and is Vague doing a slow area patrol making your presence known a lot of times will deter potential theft or which ever activity is to disist.
This is how I feel and others I have spoke with. I know officers value there privacy and the residents do as well so some how we are going to have create or change the ways anonymous cases are handled I understand what your saying but little old grandma whos 71 is sometimes scared and if people cant stay annoymous for there safety then I dont know what were gonna do were just not going to call but yet you say were the eyes and ears . Just my two cents . Thank you for the information and Thank you for your service . FBI, AMW and various Crime Tip Hotlines say you never have to give name or any identifiable info and Rewards are even provided with name there givin a code and those tips are taken seriously so I dont see why the courts and the law cant stand behind the public and officers as long as paper work and a call can be provided mamber even a code number.
When you call 911 all you have to do is advise the dispatcher you do not want contact and they respect that.
So true Nick.
Sometimes I think they do it on purpose. The best way is to do what Julio said. They will have the call recorded and if they ignore it, the media will have a field day with the incident. That’s why eventually they will come.
This information is important but why does the Brentwood Police Officers Association, a labor union, have to put it out? I would much prefer this information come directly through official channels from the police department. I get the impression the BPOA is trying to smooze the community in preparation of future contract negotiations.
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