Understanding Police Strategies When Suspects Aren't At Home

When someone is wanted by the police and is on the run, one frequent question arises: Would the police guard the suspect's address in case they come back? The answer is often no, but it's important to understand the strategy and rationale behind this decision.

Possible Police Actions

Police would likely take more discrete measures rather than guarding an address. Instead of guarding it, they might:

Place a police unit on or near the subject’s address for a few days to gather intelligence. Have routine patrols in the area to monitor any activity. Ask neighbors who appear trustworthy to report any unusual activity.

The rationale behind this approach is that the police may not anticipate the suspect returning, but people can act unexpectedly. For instance, it's not uncommon for someone on the run to return to their home to retrieve personal belongings, a move that could signal their return.

Complexity in Residential Areas

In rented accommodations, the police approach becomes even more complex. Most dwellings in the United States are rented. If a suspect fails to pay rent, the landlord can evict them. The suspect can only come back to collect belongings that the landlord is required to store. However, the police would likely inform the landlord or property management about their interest in the suspect. This could inadvertently alert the suspect, making it less advantageous to return to the location.

Varied Police Response Based on Crime Severity

The response by the police can significantly vary based on the crime the suspect is wanted for. For minor offenses, such as shoplifting, the police might not need to monitor the suspect's address. However, for more severe crimes, like murder, the police are more likely to take proactive measures.

Why would they take steps to be prepared? Many police departments lack the manpower to conduct 24/7 surveillance on a suspect's address. They might wait for the suspect to make a move, such as returning home, to arrest them. In such high-profile cases, the US Marshals Service might get involved. The US Marshals Service, known for their specialized fugitive tracking and arresting capabilities, will meticulously monitor the area suspected of harboring the suspect.

Conclusion

While the police might not directly guard a suspect's address, they employ various strategies to monitor and apprehend them. This includes neighborhood surveillance, routine patrols, and sometimes even less obvious methods like setting up unmarked cars in strategic locations. The decision on the level of effort depends on the severity of the crime and the potential risk involved.

Understanding these strategies can help law enforcement and the community work together more effectively in securing public safety.