What is the recommended practice for giving suspect descriptions over the radio?

• A. Description only after arrest has occurred.
• B. Vivid, long, speculative descriptions.
• C. Describe personality and rumored motives.
• D. Concise, observable details (sex, race, age, clothing, height, build) and location.

Answer: (D)

In radio descriptions, the priority is speed and accuracy through information that can be seen or verified quickly. The best practice is to provide concise, observable details: sex, race, approximate age, clothing, height, build, plus the last known location. These elements are objective and easy for others to picture and confirm, helping responders identify the suspect in real time and coordinate location or interception. Descriptions that are long or speculative don’t add reliable value and can slow down the transmission or lead to misidentification. Describing personality or rumored motives isn’t verifiable and can introduce bias, while waiting to describe someone only after an arrest removes crucial situational awareness that could aid ongoing pursuit. Focusing on concise, observable details and current location gives the team a clear, actionable image to act on.