1. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORT WRITING THE HOW AND WHY Part 2
Principles of Police Report Writing
2. How are reports written? Practices vary.You may be writing
on a blank sheet of paper typing on a laptop writing the complete
report on your own filling in spaces on a paper form or computer
screen
3. Who will read your reports? Readers may include supervisors
prosecutors defense attorneys reporters local officials
4. What do reports do? They provide information for further
investigation record what happened at the scene demonstrate your
professionalism build a case for prosecution and conviction supply
facts for databases and statistical reports
5. What are the challenges? Confusion can arise when you try to
reconstruct events that preceded your arrival sift through
differing accounts from witnesses and suspects filter emotions to
arrive at the facts make decisions about the disposition of
evidence and suspects
6. What principles should guide you? Your report should use
active voice use names record exactly what you did, even if the
results are negative (footprints, fingerprints, sobriety tests)
stick to the facts (no guesses or theories)
7. What skills should you develop? You should be able to find
north, south, east, west anywhere learn the length of your stride
be able to remember details about clothing, build, jewelry, and
facial characteristics conduct an interview efficiently and
accurately
8. To Learn More: Criminal Justice ReportWriting is available
in softcover ($17.95) from www.Amazon.com and in a variety of ebook
and Apple formats (Kindle, Nook, SONY etc.) for $11.99 from
www.Smashwords.com. Read a free sample online!
9. Find FREE report writing resources online at
www.YourPoliceWrite.com