A historical record, primarily in printed form, documented reported crimes and suspected individuals. These publications circulated within communities and among law enforcement personnel, serving as an early form of information dissemination related to criminal activity. For instance, a constable might consult one of these publications to identify a person matching the description of a thief reported in a neighboring parish.
Its significance lies in its contribution to early policing and crime prevention. By publicly disseminating details of offenses and those believed responsible, it facilitated citizen involvement in law enforcement and fostered a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining order. Historically, this method was crucial in an era before modern communication technologies and centralized police forces.