Just about everyone has given some thought about what they would do if they came upon a violent crime in progress. Some folks even imagine taking action to stop the crime and thereby end up the hero of the day. However, the smart thing to do is to consider the consequences of our actions before jumping in—because we may just not have all of the pertinent details. That scroungy looking guy might well be an undercover policeman making an arrest, and he will probably not be happy if you go to the aid of the other guy. Instead of being the hero of the day, a fellow must might end up being just one of those wearing handcuffs.
The best thing to do when we don’t know the players or the circumstances is to just be a good witness. Get as much information as you can to provide to investigators. But, please make it good information. When you tell me that the guy was of average height, wore sunglasses and had a pistol you haven’t told me anything because “average height” means nothing and he could easily hide the glasses and gun. If you said he had shoulder-length, dark brown hair, a little goatee, was just under six foot tall and was wearing a purple shirt and orange pants you have just made my day. It is always important to note anything unusual about a possible suspect, anything that can be easily spotted.
Also critical is to jot down any and all vehicle license plate numbers, even if you’re not sure if they’re actually involved. And, for goodness sakes, don’t forget those cell phone videos; lots of crimes are being solved nowadays thanks to the common cell phone.
Obviously, law enforcement can’t be everywhere and a good witness is extremely valuable. I remember the night we were looking for a blue Ford pickup, though I don’t remember what he had actually done. Regardless, we got a call from a little old lady who had been listening to her police scanner. “I think the truck you want just went down my back alley.” Five minutes later he was in handcuffs. Bless her heart.
Getting involved in a conflict between strangers can have unhappy consequences, but being a good witness always pays off. Just don’t get so involved that you forget about your own safety; being behind good cover is a good thing. And if things get so violent that you need to leave, then just leave; the police will work it out.
Some of the best arrests that I ever made were because of good witnesses. I love ‘em! They did their part and it was easier for me to do my part.
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