Identify an offender
When an offence has occurred, it is important that you record the details of the offender with the police as soon as possible. Please try to provide as much information about the offender as you can, including their appearance and clothing, to assist police in their investigations.
Record the offender's description
To help record accurate details of the offender, you may use the Offender description form (PDF, 1Mb). Once you have completed the form, please give it to the investigating police officer to help them with their enquiries. It may be used by police to assist in the formulation of a 'face-fit' picture of the offender.
The form is based on the slogan 'Ban the crim':
B = build
A = age
N = name
T = thatch (hair)
H = height
E = eyes
C = complexion
R = rig/clothing
I = identifying marks
M = mannerisms
Try to remember the 'Ban the crim' slogan in the case of a future offence. It will help you to remember and record the necessary details, even if you don't have the form with you at the time of the offence.
When to use the offender description form
Some examples of when the form could be used include, but are not limited to:
- an armed robbery
- assault where the offender ran away, or
- a shopstealer who has run off with some goods.