We are fortuate to have Rich Simoni and Ed Brooks as our neighbors. They are retired former Deputy Sheriffs with vast law enforcement expierence including undercover narcotics work and SWAT team leadership, as well as community law enforcement.
Rich shares some "pointers" for those of us who are "junior depurty Sheriffs"
What is a suspicious person or event?
The easiest answer is that if you can say why the event is suspicious it probably is. A person walking down the street may not be suspicious, but if he slows down and seems to be studying a house it probably is. A car driving down the street is similar. Does the car look out of place for the neighborhood and do the occupants look out of place. Probably suspicious."
What should I do if I observe something suspicious?
Any information is helpful, and the more information is better. Obviously do not place yourself in jeopardy and do only what you are comfortable doing.
Try to observe race, height, weight, hair and eye color, beard or mustache, clothing, tattoos, distinguishing marks, a limp, etc.
Regarding vehicles, record the make, model, color, is it a pickup truck or car. License plate number, number of occupants in the vehicle and descriptions if possible are obviously very helpful.
Should I take a photograph?
Many people now have photo capabilities with their cell phones. In instances like the above, photos are priceless! Photos can be used by the police to aid an investigation. A photo can prove the vehicle and people were at or near the crime scene.
Bruce's observations of suspicious activity is very good. We can reasonably assume these are the same people who burglarized Janet's neighbor. The icing on the cake would have been photos.
Do we need to record everything on our website?
I do not mean for people to ignore anything. Please feel free to make notes of anything you see. It may be useful in the future. It is just not necessary to put every vehicle or person on the website. Again let me use Bruce's observation as a perfect example.
Please let me know if I can answer any questions.
AGAIN, do only what you feel comfortable doing and DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN JEOPARDY!"
Rich
