What to do when reporting a crime
JOHANNESBURG – After reporting the crime, consider the impact of witnessing the event on yourself, said Arrive Alive.
When one witnesses a crime, reporting the crime may be close to impossible since one may still be shaken up and possibly scared of what may happen to them should they decide to do the right thing.
When you have the opportunity to report a crime, it is important to report it and let the authorities take over.
Arrive Alive said one should do the following when they want to report a crime incident:
- Let the operator control the conversation. He or she will know the questions to ask and may likely be filling out a report that will help dispatch the police as quickly as possible.
- Stay on the line until the police arrive or until the operator tells you to hang up.
- Stay calm and concentrate on relating important details that will be most helpful to police.
Very few people can observe and recognise detail when confronted or involved in a trauma situation. “We would like to offer guidance on what information may be requested from a witness,” said Arrive Alive.
The Call Centre Operator may ask for information on the following:
- Time of the incident
- Type of crime (automobile theft, assault, etc.)
- Location of the crime (street address and cross streets.)
- Vehicle details: Make and model, colour or registration number of the vehicle in transgression.
- The number of suspects/perpetrators and their gender.
- Description of suspects (height; build; the colour of eyes, hair and skin; clothing, the colour of clothing and disguises; special marks or unusual features such as scars and tattoos; and weapons, tools or vehicles used).
- The language which is spoken by the perpetrators.
- Description of property or person(s) being subjected to criminal activity.
- If the victim(s) is hurt and require medical assistance or has been kidnapped.
Arrive Alive said to ask the operator if they understood what has been relayed, how long the police or ambulance will take to arrive at the scene and request that the operator will report back to you.
Arrive advised that after reporting the crime, consider the impact of witnessing the event on yourself. Talk to a friend about the emotional effect of being a witness to the crime and when the matter has a remarkable impact on your emotions, consider consulting a professional, e.g. psychologist.
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