We’re looking for public heros! Submitting a good tip is important for investigators to do their job. When submitting a tip, BE SPECIFIC, for example:
“I saw a woman last night that looked like she was selling drugs.” This statement is not a good tip or report. What could make it better?
Location: Where was the suspect seen? In a home? In a car? On the road? In an alley? What was the address? What intersection? Between what exits? Which side of the road? If in a park, was the supect near the playground? Near the pool or a specific ball diamond or a tennis court? Where exactly?
Main Street is a long street! Where on Main St? Next to what? Or, between what?
Time of Day: What was the exact time, in the morning or the evening? Is there a set time of day that the suspect is seen on a regular basis?
Who is the Suspect: Name (if known) with description. Male or Female? Hair Color? Tattoos? Weight? Shoes? Jewelry? Height? Clothing?
“The suspect was wearing jeans, boots, and a sweater.”
Ok. (1) Were the jeans new or old? Tight or loose? Clean or dirty? Tucked in the boots or loose outside of the boot? What color? Material or leather? (2) Were the boots hiking boots? Ankle or knee length? What color, fabic or leather? Sport or Work Boots? (3) Was the sweater long, over the hips or short above the waist? What color? Was the sweater a thick or thin? Was it torn or neatly worn? What kind of a collar, if any, did it have? Was it a V-neck or Turtle Neck style? etc.
What activity did you witness?
Selling drugs? Ok. (1) What type of bag, plastic quart size, ziplock or twist tie? Large or Small? What color of bag? (2) If known, what kind of drug(s)? (3) What took place? Between who? (4) Where were the drugs? Hidden on the person? Retrieved from a car? Sold from the back door of a house?
Other possible activities: violence, destruction of property, theft, bullying, possession of illegal weapons.
Condition yourself to look for details!
Keep a notepad with you. Take pictures from your cell phone. Be credible!
All tips are forwarded to the appropriate detectives. In order for law enforcement to respond and have a right to contact a suspect, tip information must be valid, specific and warrent investigation.
This information is here to help in how to provide a good tip and should not be considered legal advise! With your support, law enforcement can be more successful in keeping Southern Ohio a safe place to live.
