Understanding Security Risks

Look For These Visual Indicators When You Need To Describe A Suspect

26 November 2017

Javier Webb

One of the skills that you must develop if you wish to excel as a security guard working for a company like Axios Security Consultants is the ability to accurately describe suspects. This information is vital for those in the security field and for those in law enforcement. For example, if you spot someone committing a crime, you'll need to accurately describe him or her to other security personnel over your radio. And, if the person manages to escape and you need to involve local law enforcement, you'll need to share these details with responding officers. Identifying a suspect by his or her attire can be ineffective, as people can sometimes shed clothes or, in retail settings, put on other clothing. Here are some visual indicators that you should use.

Height And Weight

A suspect's height and weight are two things that he or she cannot change, but it's an acquired skill to be able to accurately describe a suspect using these metrics. An incorrect assessment could cause your fellow security officers to overlook a suspect — for example, if you were to say that someone stood 5 feet, 9 inches, but he or she is actually closer to 6 feet in height, the suspect may sneak past other officers. Work with your colleagues to constantly practice this type of assessment.

Skin Markings

Skin markings are another effective way to describe a suspect because these details aren't easy to change. If a suspect has visible tattoos, you should describe them the best you can. For example, don't simply say that a suspect has a tattoo on his or her right forearm. Instead, describe the color, size, and image of the tattoo. Freckles, birthmarks, scars, and other similar markings can all help you to effectively describe a suspect to your fellow security personnel.

Shoes

While describing a suspect's attire might not generally be an effective strategy, it can be smart to describe his or her shoes. This shouldn't be the only detail that you provide, of course, but it can be effective as a secondary measure. While a suspect can quickly toss of a jacket or shirt or grab another garment off a rack to avoid detection, he or she is unlikely to change shoes. Describing the type of shoes — running shoes, for example — as well as their colors and brand can go a long way toward helping other security officers to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect that you're chasing. 

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