Saying 'Black' or IC3 ?

[Oldman]

working on a police Surveillance it is always common practice to use IC code and number/word code, as so much more/quicker info can be passed via the net (comms) than long drawn out language. Better security in case of Dicking. Logs kept etc are easier to maintain on a fast paced Surveillance too.

[MrBlonde]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mts Keep in mind, when we would describe a "suspect" it usually would be real time when we suspect there is reason for our extra attention toward that individual - no time for pussy footing around. For the AAR, you will have time for the PC description, but personally i think it's a bit too PC.

Exactly.

On the ground you need to pass the pertinent information to the team in such a way that they are 110% sure they have the right target, especially if you are in an environment where saying "IC3 male in black jacket" would identify about a dozen people.

"Black guy, black jacket, looks like Eddie Murphy, heading past HMV" is not intended to be derogatory or offensive, it's an instant descriptor that clearly marks the target when there's a lot happening and you've got far more important things to worry about than offending someones feelings who may be about to attack the boss (not that they'll hear you anyway)

Report writing is a completely separate skill, we're all professionals, engage your brain before putting pen to paper and you'll be fine...

[Wizza]

When writing statements I use the IC in the description of the offender, however I use plain English over the link radio as to white, black, asian etc. Apparently it is wrong to say 'Jamaican, African, Egyptian' etc because there is no way anyone can be 100% sure where a person comes from. I feel plain english and IC is both totally acceptable.

[a51541476]

ALCON:

Plain English is best. The Ident Code is a UK police procedure. In Toronto, Canada, the Toronto Police Service used plain English to describe people. After they got in sh*t with the politically correct leftie City Council and Human Rights Commission on the topic of racial profiling, they went through a completely idiotic period of identifying people as "white" or "non-white". Following a number of problematic (and entirely foreseeable) incidents involving suspect descriptions that didn't describe the suspect, the Toronto Police went back to plain English. They now call blacks - "black".

To properly describe suspects or other persons, political correctness must yield to practicality.

Regards,

Dave (I'm an IC1)