![]()
Memory and a sharp eye: how police officers and detectives solve tough cases
A Hsinchu police officer recently made headlines when he recognized a suspect at large on the street through a car window. His sharp observational skills led to the suspect’s arrest. Today we take a look at some of the skills police officers and detectives need to solve tough cases. According to Hsinchu police, a good memory is vital. Many cases are solved with CCTV footage, but that still requires police to know the face when they see it. They also shared how doing research on the suspect’s background can be useful. When the suspect knows the police are clued up, they’re less likely to try to hide what they’ve done.
A flat nose, large ears, a square face. This drawing clearly captured the defining features of the suspect’s face. Even the slight wrinkles are included. This is the drawing that helped the Hsinchu officer identify the suspect.
Liu Hsing-wei
Police officer, Hsinchu County Hsinhu Precinct
In cases where there have been serious crimes, theft, repeated drug offences, or repeated offences in general, we prioritize memorizing the distinctive features of their faces.
To spot a suspect, officers also need to understand suspects’ backgrounds, their tactics and frequently visited locations, as well as the clothes they tend to wear. Using all those bits of information, they’re more likely to spot a fugitive.
Many criminal investigations now rely on CCTV footage, which means a strong memory is even more useful than ever.
Yeh Jih-jen
Detective, Hsinchu County Hsinhu Precinct
You can work out who the person is just from looking at CCTV footage. You can spot them at a glance and that cuts down the length of the investigation a huge amount. Especially now, many cases are solved by accessing CCTV cameras.
Officers can also pick up clues about potential suspects while walking down the street.
Hsu Jui-fu
Taoyuan Patrol Police Corps
It’s the body language. Sometimes you can tell someone’s a drug user from behind.
Taoyuan Patrol Police Corps scan the streets like radar, searching for trouble. As one officer explained, only experience can earn that kind of eagle eye.
Hsu Jui-fu
Taoyuan Patrol Police Corps
Sometimes we can use a rule of thumb with some observations. For example, why would somebody lower their head or turn around and try to leave as soon as they see a police officer? That’s obviously suspicious.
And when the police catch a suspect, if they’re inclined to deny everything, police have psychological tactics.
Yeh Jih-jen
Detective, Hsinchu County Hsinhu Precinct
The suspect doesn’t know you. But you, the police officer, know their name perfectly well. You can talk in detail about their background, and who they’re dating. That breaks down their psychological defenses. They get scared, intimidated. They think, “Wow, the police are amazing, they know everything about me.” That’s really helpful for future interrogations. They are less confident telling a pack of lies.
A good memory and observational skills are the basic tools of the trade for police officers and detectives. These skills mean more cases are solved and society has a little more protection.
2023-06-22
