Wanted posters have been used since the Old West to alert the public of a suspect’s crime and appearance. They include identifying characteristics and contact information for law enforcement. The FBI now uses electronic billboards to increase their reach.
The use of a wanted poster dates back to Old West times in the United States when bank robbers were commonly the subject of a wanted poster. When a law enforcement agency wishes to arrest an individual who is alleged to have committed a crime, one method they use is a wanted poster. The information contained on a wanted poster may include a photograph of the individual or composite drawing, the crime for which the person is wanted, and identifying characteristics such as height, weight, and scars or tattoos.
The idea behind using a wanted poster is to alert the public that law enforcement agencies are looking for the person in the poster. Traditionally, wanted posters were posted in public places, such as police stations, post offices, and government offices. Along with information regarding the suspect, a wanted poster usually includes contact information for the law enforcement agency that is looking for the suspect in case a citizen has information. While law enforcement agencies are by far the largest users of wanted posters, other companies, such as armored car companies, have also been known to use them when they have been the victim of a crime.
The information included on a wanted poster can be specific or general in nature, depending on how much information law enforcement has about the suspect. In some cases, the poster will have more than one photograph if the suspect has been arrested previously and booking photographs are available. In other cases, a snapshot of a surveillance camera or a composite sketch may be included if no photograph is available.
If the suspect’s name is known, the name will be posted on the poster along with any known aliases. Where available, detailed information on height, weight, and hair and eye color will also be shown on the poster. Identifying marks such as tattoos, scars, or physical blemishes may also be included.
Wanted posters have traditionally been printed on paper and placed in well-trafficked public places. In 2007, however, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began using electronic billboards to expand the use of wanted posters. The advantage of using electronic billboards is that a suspect’s image can be broadcast virtually within minutes of a crime being committed, which greatly increases the chance that he or she will be arrested.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
