perp walk
Suspect's public escort
A perp walk is the practice of police parading an arrested suspect past news cameras, typically when transferring them from custody to court.
The term combines perpetrator with walk.
Though ostensibly procedural, perp walks serve to publicly shame the accused and signal law enforcement action: The CEO was led out in handcuffs for the perp walk.
Critics note it implies guilt before trial.
- frogmarchForcibly escort someone restrained
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- arrestSeize by law
- handcuffsLocking wrist restraints
- mugshotPolice identification photograph
police · custody · flashbulbs · courthouse steps · defendant · media · detention · humiliation · public shaming · photo op · officer · news coverage · indictment · arraignment · accusation · media circus · public spectacle · identification parade
- crime newscrime scene, court reporter, court reporting, breaking news, arrest report
- arrestarrest, handcuffs, Miranda warning, booking, custody
- crime investigationdetective, whodunit, investigation, detectives, investigator
- policeofficer, cop, officers, patrol, cops
- media trialstrial by media, media circus, trial coverage, media frenzy, court reporting
- prisoner transportprison bus, prison transfer, secure transport, federal marshal, shackles
perp walkanonymity
Unknown identity state
presumption of innocence · witness protection · sealed record
perp walkexoneration
Official clearing of blame
vindication · charges dropped · acquittal · victory lap · not guilty verdict
walk, prepare, prepared, walking, walker, unprepared, preparing, preparation, prepares