Describing a person
You can describe a person in your tip using a short set of questions: a name, what they look like, or anything else you know. Every question is optional.
If you know who this is about
Section titled “If you know who this is about”Earlier in the form, you’re asked whether you know who’s involved. If you say yes, you’ll see the questions below. If you say no, or you’re not sure, a shorter version asks you to describe what you can in your own words instead.
You don’t need to know their name, or exactly what they look like, to help. A single detail is enough to start with.
What each question asks for
Section titled “What each question asks for”- Name or what they go by: a real name, a nickname, or a street name.
- What they look like: height, build, hair, age, clothing, anything that stands out.
- How old they are: an exact age isn’t needed. A decade, like “30s,” works.
- Phone number: any number you have for them.
- Social media: a handle, or a link to a profile.
- Where they can be found: a workplace, a regular spot, a neighborhood.
- What they drive: the make, model, or color of a vehicle.
- License plate: any letters or numbers you remember, even part of a plate.
Leave blank anything you don’t know. A first name or a vehicle color, on its own, can still point an investigator in the right direction.
More than one person
Section titled “More than one person”If your tip involves more than one person, you can add another. The form holds up to five people, each with their own set of questions.
If you know nothing about the person
Section titled “If you know nothing about the person”That’s fine. Leave every question blank and continue. A tip is still useful without a description of the person, especially if it has other detail, such as the location or what’s going on.
Related
Section titled “Related”If you or someone else is in danger right now, contact emergency services in your area instead of finishing this form.