How should you handle a 900 code involving a suspect description?

• A. Note a clear, concise description including clothing, height, build, and any distinguishing features.
• B. Record only the suspect's age.
• C. Record only the suspect's hair color.
• D. Describe the suspect’s vehicle only.

Answer: (A)

When handling a 900 code that involves a suspect description, the goal is to provide a clear, actionable portrait that others can quickly use to identify or locate the person. The best approach is to note a clear, concise description including clothing, height, build, and any distinguishing features. This combination gives a practical snapshot that witnesses, patrol officers, and dispatch can compare against in real time, improving accuracy and response, especially when seconds matter. Distinguishing features such as tattoos, scars, or unique accessories help set the person apart from others who might look similar. If you have any additional details like approximate age, race, or gender, you can add those as well, but the core elements that drive effective identification are clothing, height, build, and distinguishing features. Describing only an age, or only hair color, or only the vehicle fails to provide enough information to recognize or locate the suspect reliably.