Five W’s Of Crime Reporting, How to Be a Good Witness, How to Report a Crime

HOW TO BE A GOOD WITNESS 

The ability to accurately describe an event and provide descriptions are extremely valuable when reporting a crime. The more information gathered, the better the chance police have to prevent further injury and/or property loss, as well as catch the subject(s) responsible.

Anytime you witness a crime or suspicious activity, it’s a good idea to write everything down as soon as you can. Write down anything you can think of, including: what you saw, heard, and smelt.
Make sure you write details down in a safe space – never put yourself at risk.

It is essential to know the 4 Ws (Who ,What, When, Where), since call-takers will ask these questions when you alert them of a crime. Do not hesitate to report even if you are unsure about the 4 Ws, any information is helpful.
Your memory is more accurate the sooner you write everything down. If you do not know the answer to a question, the best answer is: “I don’t know” – don’t guess to try and ‘help’ the situation, police rely on your answers being as accurate as possible.

• What happened?
• When did the event happen?
• Where did it take place?
• Who is the suspect and what do they look like?

When describing a person it helps to start from the head down, paying attention to any distinctive features including visible scars, piercings, tattoos, facial hair, or birthmarks.

Describing people

• Basic description: height, weight, build
• Clothing description: writing, distinct patterns or colours, colour and style of shoes
• Physical description: distinct marks, scars, or tattoos. If possible, hair colour, length and style; eye colour, facial hair, race
• Interaction: Try to recall exactly what was said and how it was said

Try to remember what was said between suspects if there were multiple; did they use names, nicknames, or any other potential identifiers?

Describing vehicles or other modes of transportation 

• Make, model, colour
• License plate (if possible), even a partial is helpful
• Identifiable markings or damage (stickers, rusting, tint, burnt out tail/head light, etc.)
• Number of visible occupants.
• Was the suspect the driver or a passenger?
• If impaired: a driving pattern (i.e.: weaving in lanes, speeds, etc.)
• Direction of travel

Direction of travel is vital information if a person or vehicle is fleeing a scene.

Describing residences or locations 

• Entrances & lane ways
• If reporting a break and enter: entrance used to gain access or exit; other entrances and how entrance(s) are approached.
• Is there movement in the location? Are there any lights on? Can you see the individual(s) and what are they doing?

It is also important to note if any weapons or tools were used in the incident and their description.
Also note if any property was stolen or damaged, and their description(s).
DO NOT TOUCH OR MOVE ANYTHING before police arrive at the scene. You do not want to risk contaminating a crime scene or impede any investigation efforts.