the cops should let the citizens know what to look for....
I'm finding it more common these days for the networks/radio/newspapers to report that there is a search for an individual (usually male) in connection with a crime (rape, murder, assault, robbery). The press will be quite clear as to the type of car he was driving, what he was wearing, etc, but for race and physical characteristics, you need to click the link to the artist's drawing of the suspect or the security camera photos.