When a crime or suspicious activity occurs, the details you observe can be the turning point in a law enforcement investigation.

Becoming a good witness isn’t about putting yourself in harm's way; it is about training your eyes to capture specific, actionable details that can help identify individuals or vehicles. Review our comprehensive checklists below to learn exactly what information investigators need most when you report an incident.

Before you head out, you can also download our Emergency Documentation Guide PDF to keep these critical suspect, vehicle, and child safety reminders handy on your phone or printed in your vehicle.

Download the Guide
Reporting a Crime

Have CS phone number on speed dial.

  • Use a name other than Crime Stoppers.
  • Down load Crime Stoppers app.

Report from a safe location.

  • Avoid fire.
  • Be aware of traffic, especially at night.
  • Be aware of hazards.
  • Electrical, ie., down power lines.
  • Chemical spills.

Reporting an Anonymous Tip.

    • Do not give name, phone number, nor home / email
      address.
    • Expect to call CS when additional information becomes
      available.
    • Watch the news to determine the status of the crime.
    • When an arrest is made, call about the reward.
Eye Witness
  • Date
  • Time
  • Location
  • Direction of Arrival & Escape
  • Weapon / Drugs
  • Action:
    • Murder
    • Robbery
    • Assault
    • Human Trafficking
    • Drug Distribution / Selling
    • Other Witnesses
Describing a suspect or a vehicle
  • Date
  • Time
  • Location
  • Direction of Travel
 
Weapon
Suspect Information
  • Male/Female
  • Adult/Juvenile/Approximate Age
  • Race
  • Height/Weight
  • Hair Color
  • Eye Color
  • Mustache, beard, sideburns or other facial hair
  • Tattoos, scars or other identifying marks
  • Gait, limp or amputations
 
Clothing
  • Hat
  • Glasses
  • Shirt type/color
  • Pants type/color
  • Shoes
Automobile Information
  • Make/Model
  • Color
  • Year
  • Body style (2-door, 4-door, convertible, truck, etc.)
  • License plate number
  • Distinguishing features (spoiler, racing stripes, tinting, damage, etc.)