HYATTSVILLE, Md. — Metro Transit Police Officer Kache’ Fields has an extraordinary skill that’s helping to keep the region’s transit system safer — she’s a super recognizer, someone with an exceptional ability to remember and identify faces.
Fields uses her photographic memory to spot individuals wanted for crimes, providing valuable information to her department’s investigative units as well as partner law enforcement agencies.
“I’m really honing on recognizing and memorizing this person’s face immediately,” Fields explained.
Thousands of BOLO Stops
In her seven years with the department, Fields has conducted more than 1,000 BOLO (Be On the Look Out) stops, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of weapons. BOLOs may include crime suspects, victims, or individuals who could have information about ongoing investigations.
“I have stopped so many people to the point where I will always remember you going forward,” she said. “I will always remember your first and your last name.”
Recognizing Suspects in Seconds
Her skill has impressed colleagues, including Assistant Chief Stephen Boehm, who recounted one instance where Fields identified a suspect even while they were wearing a mask.
“In the middle of the conversation, she recognized somebody … turned away from our conversation, stopped them, and we made an arrest,” Boehm said. “I’ve learned if she says it’s somebody she wants to stop, go ahead and let her take lead and back her up.”
Perfecting the Craft
Fields credits her role at Metro with helping her refine her abilities. “Metro has given me the opportunity to perfect this craft because now I’m able to go learn new patterns for various people that use different lines in the Metro system,” she said.
Her unique talent continues to play a critical role in crime prevention and enforcement across the transit network, proving that sometimes, a good memory can be one of the most powerful tools in law enforcement.
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