This document discusses principles of police report writing. Reports can be written by hand, typed, or filled into a form and will be read by supervisors, prosecutors, attorneys, reporters and officials. Reports provide information for further investigation, record details of incidents, demonstrate professionalism, build legal cases, and supply statistics. When writing, officers must reconstruct past events, consider different witness accounts, remain objective, and document evidence collection attempts factually without guesses. Good report writing requires skills like orienting oneself, pacing distances, and accurately describing appearances, interviews, and details.

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