to witness (verb):	to see something happen
a witness (noun):	a person who sees something happen

Witnesses are valuable to the police. A witness is somebody who is actually present when something happens and sees what happens. The police usually like to question all witnesses as soon as possible after a crime, accident or other event.

Questions police ask witnesses

• Did you see what she was wearing?
• Did he have a weapon?
• Was the gun loaded?
• What kind of car was the thief driving?
• I will need to get a statement from you.
• How long ago did this happen?
• If you think of anything else, please notify us.

Description of a suspect

• He was wearing sunglasses.
• He had a mustache.
• He had a beard.
• She was dressed in black.
• She had a baseball cap on.
• She was wearing gloves.
• Hair: short, long, shoulder length, curly, straight, spiky, brown, blond, black, red, in a ponytail
• Body: skinny, fat, chubby, medium build, muscular, tall, short, average height

Sample Conversation

An ESL teacher working in Korea witnesses a bank robbery. The police question her as a witness...

Police:	I understand you were the key witness for the robbery.
Woman:	Yes, I was the only other person in the bank besides the tellers.
Police:	Are you okay to answer some questions for me?
Woman:	Sure. I don't know how much help I'll be. He made me get on the ground so I didn't get a very good look at him.
Police:	Was he carrying a weapon?
Woman:	Yes, he had a pistol in his back pocket. He threatened to use it, but I doubt it was loaded.
Police:	What makes you say that?
Woman:	He was just a kid. Probably fifteen or younger.
Police:	Can you describe him for me?
Woman:	He was Asian. Probably five foot six. He was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. I can't remember what else he was wearing.
Police:	Did he talk directly to you? I mean, did he ask you for your money or anything?
Woman:	No, he just told me to get on the ground. That's all I know. I'm running late for a class. Is it okay if I go now?
Police:	I just want to get your name and phone number. If you think of anything else, please notify us.