Here’s a recent crime story from the Chronicle. See if you can guess what’s missing from the description of the perp.
Police investigate double homicide in northwest Houston:
The suspect is described as being 6-feet-1 inch to 6-feet-2 inches tall and weighs between 150 to 160 pounds, Howard said. He has a slim build. Witnesses said that the suspect was wearing black pants or shorts and a black t-shirt with “some kind of white logo”.
That’s right, the race of the suspect isn’t reported. In a July 2005 blog post, the Chron’s reader representative gave us a peek into the Chron’s stylebook:
Race should not be used in a police description that is too skimpy to identify a suspect, such as “a black man in his 20s.” But a complete description (several elements, such as height, weight and personal characteristics) should always include race.
It looks to me like that story violates the Chron’s standards in this regard. The description is pretty complete — height, weight, build and clothing.
So why omit race?
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Ever listen to a KTRH report of a suspect? They always tell you to log on to their website for a complete description. This is even after the perp has scampered away and where one might consider an immediate broadcast of the specifics helpful to those travelling about a fair chance of spotting him.
We need to look past race. This is the way to a colorblind society. Lets just say everyones green.
They need to say the suspect is dark green and be done with it.
If it were a white male who allegedly committed a crime, his race would be in there - white male, 20-25, 6′ 2″, stocky build, bald head - be on the lookout!
The Dallas Morning News stopped posting “race” about 20 years ago. They also refer to male suspects as “Mr.”….female suspects as “Ms. or Mrs.” PC is nothing new in reporting crime and never helpful…but why should pin-headed editors care? They…like the Metro Police Chief…don’t want to get involved.
I read the Chron’s style book and the comments thereto. what is wrong in listing a “black man in his 20’s?” That eliminates all white, hispanic, asian, etc. males. So does “white man in his 20’s or asian man in his 20’s.” Get real. In today’s world, profiling is mandated, especially in solving crimes. Just go to the HPD or Sheriff’s department and they will have a full description of a “white man in his 20’s or a black man in his 20’s” It is the first thing the officials list - race. If HPD/Sheriff’s Department can list it in their reports (and I have seen many), they why can’t the comical see a need for it if they are truly into seeking community help in solving crimes?
Same goes for any others - “paraplegic white mail in his 20’s”, “midget white mail in his 20’s.” Etc. Etc.
It is important in a diverse city such as ours (or other diverse cities for that matter) to list race so the perpetrators can be more easily identified and apprehended and hopefully arrested…it is not racist although some activists (gay, black, or white racist group leader) will think so.
My #5
Sorry, I meant “male” not mail! skinny fingers!
I wonder how they would report an albino? “A man in his 20’s, slight build, and we are unable to report any race at all.” The point where PC and reality meet.
Wait a minute. This descrition sounds like someone I know.
Matt “Zilla”
Oh wait they said “some kind of white logo”. I know for a fact Matt would never be caught dead wearing a t’shirt with “some kind of white logo”.
Sorry. My bad.
Hey now, I’m 6-4! Also, I don’t murder people.
Matt - You’re killing me! hee hee
God forBID we’d actually wanna CATCH the guy?
*beam me UP Scotty!”