How to Give a Description to the Police After Being the Victim of Privacy Invasion

If you are the victim of invasion of privacy, what you can tell the police may make all the difference in law enforcement's ability to catch those responsible. Whether the privacy in question be physical or electronic, the police are equipped to assist you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Give a Description to the Police After Having Your Physical Privacy Invaded

1. Begin with broad strokes. Tell the police as much information as possible about the suspect's gender, age and appearance.
2. Consider the suspect's height. When possible, take note of the stature of the trespasser in relation to an inanimate object around, so the police will be able to measure the object and get an accurate measurement.
3. Relate your description of the build of the suspect. If you have misgivings about your ability to guess the exact weight, give the police as much information as possible: thin, slim, average, hefty, etc.
4. Remember as much as possible about the suspect's clothing, including type, and color.
5. Recall, if possible, if the suspect had any distinguishing marks, such as moles, scars, or facial hair.
6. Offer the police any more information you can possibly think of, including descriptions of the suspects voice, odor or anything else you may remember about him or her.

Give a Description to the Police After Being the Victim of Invasion of Electronic Privacy

7. Check your web browser's history and write down as many websites as you can remember that have ever received your credit card information (or any other valuable personal information).
8. Recall and enumerate for the police as much information as you can about any potentially unsafe activity that could have compromised your information, anything from losing your wallet to being attacked by computer viruses.

Tips & Warnings

• Every situation is different. Obviously a picture or some other recording of your intruder is best, but a good memory can help.
• Give the police as much information as you possibly can. Even if you think it is entirely irrelevant, they are in a better position than you to decide what is relevant and what is not.
• The more information you are able to give the police, the better off you will be--but do not endanger yourself. If your immediate safety is threatened, leave the premises immediately.
• After being the victim of invasion of privacy, many people may not report it, hoping or believing that it will not happen again. But invasion of privacy is a crime, and the police are equipped to help you with it.