The new normal is to cover up your face with a mask to protect yourself (and those around you) from Covid. This has many health benefits, however, there are some concerns I have only recently become aware of.

I was listening to a podcast about a girl who was abducted from her home in December 2019 (before Covid). There was a sketch issued of the perpetrator and this was made available to the public. In March 2020, the wearing of a face mask in public became mandatory across the world. One of the investigators spoke about how this has caused a huge delay in identifying the perpetrator, as if he is seen in public, he will not be identifiable due to the wearing of masks.

I never thought about the effect the wearing of masks will have on the criminal justice system in our country. As many as 68% of all assault/kidnapping related suspects are identified in public by a civilian and then brought into the Police Station for questioning. Covid has affected every detail of our lives. This is a reminder to always remain vigilant, and regarding being an eyewitness to a crime, focus on remembering things about the perpetrator that can be identified regardless of the wearing of a mask.