A wanted poster is an official poster that has been displayed outside of police stations. It typically contains any information pertaining to people being sought by the police for various crimes they may have committed. The distribution method may differ depending on the region or country but normally it involves displaying copies around town centers or distributing them through mailboxes.
This information usually includes important details about a suspect as well as specifics related to an offense and how to communicate this information to enforcement agencies.
Key Features of a Wanted Poster:
- Title: Having an inscription of the words “WANTED” written in big, bold, and visible letters creates bait for viewers.
- Photo: A distinct photograph or artist’s depiction of the wanted individual.
- Name: The full name of the individual sought.
- Physical Description: The person’s physical description covers a range of features such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, as well as any identifying marks or tattoos.
- Crime Details: Please outline the crimes this person is wanted for including the type of offense, the nature of the crime and relevant dates.
- Reward: Information regarding any reward offered for providing information that can facilitate in apprehending the person.
- Contact Information: Guidelines on reporting on information, often with a phone number, website or emergency numbers for Law Enforcement Agencies.
- Cautionary Note: A caution that the individual might be armed and asking the public not to try arresting the criminal.
Common Uses of a Wanted Poster:
- Law Enforcement: Finding and catching criminals who have done something wrong and are not in custody.
- Public Awareness: To alert the community about violent people and ask for their assistance in locating them.
- Historical and Educational Purposes: Museums, exhibits, or educational materials have the potential to feature these posters that stem from either notable cases or historical events.
Benefits of a Wanted Poster:
- Increased Reach: Spreads the information more around to increase the likelihood of finding the person in question.
- Public Involvement: Engage the public so that they can help law enforcement.
- Visibility: Put the mug shot and information of the suspect in notable sections in order to raise awareness.
Formats:
- Printed Posters: Traditionally they hung on the walls of public places: post office buildings, police stations, community centers.
- Digital Posters: It was shared on law enforcement websites, social media platforms, and digital bulletin boards to reach a broader audience.
An effective tool for law enforcement agencies to engage the public in efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who are wanted for criminal activities is a wanted poster. Here are a couple of free Wanted Poster Templates for you to quickly get started with your such poster design.
