How do you determine what is suspicious activity? To begin with, there are probably many people and situations that might be considered suspicious. A suspicious activity is when a person or persons conduct or action does not fit the normal day to day activity of your area. If you feel that something is unusual or looks wrong, it probably is. Follow your intuition. With your help in reporting suspicious activities, Tulane Health Sciences Center Police Officers can more effectively protect the citizens in our community.
If Life Threatening Call 55555
Consider The Following Activities As Suspicious
- A person or vehicle stays in the same place for an unusual length of time.
- A parked car with the engine running.
- A person behaves strangely or exhibits unusual movements.
- A person concealing an object or carrying a weapon.
- A person looking into cars, moving from car to car, and/or tries door handle.
- A person looking into offices, patient rooms, labs, windows, or forcibly entering a car or a room.
- A person running from a area for no apparent reason, especially at night.
- A person carrying/transporting unusual/valuable objects, day or night.
- A person sells/conducts business out of their car, van, truck, or other vehicle.
- A vehicle drives around your block frequently, slowing down, speeding up.
- A vehicle without lights on, arriving or leaving at night.
- A person you don't know offering candy or gifts to children.
- Going door to door in residential area Especially suspicious if, after few houses are visited, one or more of the subjects goes into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the front when this occurs.
- Waiting in front of a house or business Particularly suspicious if owners are absent, or, if it's a business, and the establishment is closed.
- Forcing entrance to or tampering with a residence, vehicle, etc. Suspicious under almost any circ*mstances.
- Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms Do not approach these people.
- Certain moving vehicles Especially if slow moving and without lights, or if the course followed appears aimless or repetitive. This is suspicious in any location, but particularly in the area of schools, parks, or playgrounds.
- Abandoned vehicle Possible stolen car.
- Vehicle containing weapons Suspicious under almost any circ*mstances.
- Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle Suspicious especially at night in the street or in a parking lot.
- Unusual Noises, etc. Gunshots, screaming, sounds of fighting/combat, abnormally barking dog, anything suggestive of foul play, danger, or illegal activity.
Remember, there are many activities that could be considered suspicious. A suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place and should not be happening in our community. There could be reasonable explanations for some suspicious activities. By thinking things through, being observant, and using common sense, you will be able to make a good judgment about whether an activity is suspicious. If you call the police and you were wrong, it's okay, you will not be in trouble. Your role as a concerned citizen is to report whatever you think is wrong or suspicious.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Be prepared. Keep the phone number of the TUHSC Police Department (504) 988-5531, by your telephone. Call 55555 if it is a life-threatening situation and you need Police, Fire, or Ambulance immediately. Remain calm. Avoid taking any risks. Your safety is most important. Keep away from the crime scene to preserve evidence. When you call to report a suspicious activity, you will be asked for your name, department, and telephone number. This information is requested to verify our records or in case additional contact with you becomes necessary.
Try To Remember The Following Information:
Do not place yourself in danger to get information!
- What happened?
- Time and place?
- Was anyone hurt?
- Description of suspect(s)
- Description of vehicle(s)
- License plate number
- Time and direction of travel
- Additional details and circ*mstances
Remain on the telephone until you are certain the police department has all the necessary information.
If it is suspicious to you, it's suspicious to us. It is better to be safe than sorry.
In your area, we do not always know what is suspicious and what is not.
It is up to you, the Community members, to let us know when you see suspicious activity! Report it immediately!
