Screaming or yelling – an argument or pending fights, continual crying.

Screeching tires or the sound of a collision.

Unusual noises such as glass breaking, dogs continuously barking, or gunshots.

Don’t hesitate to call us, but do your best to use your senses to describe what’s going on in a given situation. There are times when you may need to trust your instincts.

You are an extension of the eyes and ears of the police department. If there is a real factor of community safety or crime afoot, by all means call us, but avoid calling the San Mateo Police Department strictly on bias-based observations. should NEVER be a factor in classifying someone as suspicious. Race, gender, religion, socio-economic status, style of dress, choice of hairstyle, etc. We ask you to be patient and anticipate being asked those questions. We expect our dispatchers to ask clarifying questions to identify safety and crime elements in calls, to ensure that our officers have clear factors on which to base their actions when responding.

However, if you see them trying car door handles as they walk down the street, elements of a crime have been met. Also, if you see a group of rowdy teenagers walking down the street, that alone isn’t against the law. However, if you see the male sitting in his car at night doing drugs, that's a different story. For example, if you see a male subject sitting in a car at night, that alone is not suspicious. Articulable means you are capable of expressing, explaining, or justifying to our dispatchers that you believe a person violated a law or regulation. When calling the police on someone “acting suspicious,” it is imperative you provide articulable reasons why you believe this.

Suspicious activity