So, this girl walks into a bar police station…
OK. I have a question.
I am writing a story (fiction), and I need some questions answered. Questions that are best answered by the police. Do I just call the non-emergency line and ask them my questions? Won’t they think it’s totally suspicious that someone is asking all of these “hypothetical” questions about guns and self-inflicted wounds and crime scene procedures and interrogation techniques? Or is it best if I just show up in person and ask the desk sergeant if there’s someone I could set up a meeting with, so they can see me in person and deem me a nice, normal, law-abiding, non-felon-committing citizen?
Maybe you could look it up on the internet first or buy a crime writing how-to reference guide. They sell those at any bookstore. I’m sure the police field these kind of questions, so you wouldn’t be the first to do research.
Comment by kirida — May 6, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Oh I think it would be fun to go down to the police station to request an interview to get the inside scoop but then again does that put you on some big brother type list? She asked questions and then all Agatha Christie like someone you know dies in the exact way you are writing about and they are like ‘BUT she was asking questions about this stuff…’ and into jail you go!
HOLY CRAP, I read to much crap and watch WAY too much TV. I would suggest a crime writing how to book and possibly the internet…
OR could you network your way into finding a police office or detective locally willing to talk (through friends)?
Comment by Christina — May 6, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
i’d call and say you’re researching a story, and do they ever field questions like this? and see what they say..
my mom recently called a large theater nearby and asked for tips about how to disguise herself better (she’s a restaurant reviewer) and they thought it was SUPER COOL and met her for lunch to talk about all the ways they could help. so maybe one of the police people will be the same way, and think it’s neat?
Comment by Alice — May 6, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Oh, what I would do is post about it on my blog and then FERVENTLY HOPE that some cops were READING and would be moved to comment.
Nervous Tummy about CALLING! GAH!
Comment by Tessie — May 6, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Use the google!
Comment by Susan — May 6, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Tessie, I had to call the cops yesterday about advice on what to do about our neighbors, and the woman I spoke to told me to call 911. GAH. This was NOT an emergency! I was just looking for information on who to call in the future. I’m not clogging 911 with my stupid complaint.
Comment by Shauna — May 6, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
I hear that if you call the FBI to ask if they have a file on you, they’ll start one. Perhaps this would be similar? But on the other hand, unless you’re actually going to commit a crime someday soon, does it matter if they have you on some sort of secret list of people to keep an eye on?
Comment by Jess — May 6, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
I think I would make an appointment. Tell the receptionist that you are doing research for a book and ask if there is anyone you can speak with. You may even get some inspiration while you’re there!
Comment by banana — May 6, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
I would probably try to find a friend of a friend of someone who is in law enforcement. Take them out for dinner and get some information in exchange.
Comment by My Buddy Mimi — May 6, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
I think I would call the police department and honestly explain what you are doing and why you need the info. Surely it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve encountered questions like that, right? Or maybe you’re right, in person would be better so that you can visually prove your non-threateningness?
Comment by nonsoccermom — May 6, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
I’d be nervous about calling… I’m much better in person. You could also try calling a college/university if you have one in the area. Every Director of Security I’ve encountered in places like this (if the security is not contracted out) is a retired police officer/Mountie and they LOVE to tell you about the glory days.
Comment by LoriD — May 6, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
I would NOT call the police, or a police station. They will be pissed. I would just walk up to an office you see on the street. They will be more likely to answer you.
Comment by slynnro — May 6, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Ask the Internet!
Comment by Shannon — May 6, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
Don’t call. Go to them, ask to see the desk captain. Explain what you need and if they aren’t busy they’ll help you out.
Comment by jean — May 6, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
I’d call or go in to see what they say. I would be hesitant about the internet b/c what if you really need to murder someone some day then they’ll take your drive and find that years before you’d researched ways to kill and then they’ll have you for premeditation and you won’t be able to plead the crazies. Just sayin’.
Comment by Shelly — May 6, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
They might enjoy it. As long as you’re honest with why you’re asking the questions.
Comment by Penny — May 6, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
I have no advice, since I personally HATE talking to strangers on the phone and so would be more likely to use The Google, approach someone on the street, or just make it all up. Whatever you do, please promise to tell us how it goes, even if you don’t reveal all the information.
Comment by Becky — May 6, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Schedule an appointment to talk with a detective…they’re not ALWAYS busy. Or even a Community Service officer might be able to help.
Comment by cheri — May 7, 2008 @ 12:20 am
I grew up in a small town and a girl in my elementarty school class had a dad who was a cop. He was a really nice guy, and always came to speak at our school and at one point we took a field trip to the local police department. Point being, I think you might have a lot of luck if you can find a small town police department and start with them. They might not have a lot of cool stories, but I think you’d get a much better response than if you tried asking a really busy department. I second going to ask in person, and maybe by starting at a small station they will be able to refer you to contacts in other departments.
Comment by Jill — May 7, 2008 @ 6:12 am
I’m curious what your questions are. Ask us! We seem to be a pretty well-read bunch, so maybe one of us will have come across the info you’re after.
After we regale you with our vast knowledge, THEN put on a disguise, go down to the police station, introduce yourself as a novelist and request an interview. Use a false name. You’re only there to ask questions, so chances are they won’t check your ID. That way you avoid the whole ‘them starting a file on you’ thing. Plus you’ll be WAY more nervous and it’ll be more fun that way. Not to mention a great blog post.
Comment by JMC — May 7, 2008 @ 7:22 am
The internet knows all! You might be under surveillance for the next five years, but at least you won’t have to leave the comfort of your couch. I also like JMC’s idea of asking us! I’m sure there’s a police officer or CSI out there somewhere.
Comment by Stephanie — May 7, 2008 @ 11:19 am
I think it totally depends on where you live and how busy the police department is- depending on the department, (or even the precinct) this kind of thing could either be a fun thing to fill the time or a pain-in-the-ass distraction from the busy schedule. Doesn’t hurt to call and ask if they ever do that kind of interview, and if so if you could make an appointment, but I think the idea of seeing if you know any police officers through friends of friends might be easier. Also, if your personal network doesn’t include any cops, criminal defense lawyers (ahem, pick me! pick me!) could probably answer at least some of the questions on interrogation techniques and crime scenes.
Comment by pseudostoops — May 7, 2008 @ 11:39 am