2. How do you prepare to write a
report?
At the scene…
have writing materials with you (a small
notebook in a pocket for emergencies is
a good idea)
observe and remember
record information promptly
take thorough, readable notes
3. What information is important?
what happened at the scene
anything a suspect said, word-for-word
anything you and other officers did
contact information for witnesses
investigations you carried out, even if
results were negative
disposition of evidence and suspects
4. What else is important?
Date, time, and location
Serial numbers, makes, and models
Victims, witnesses, and suspects
Investigations and results
Miranda rights
Evidence
Injuries
5. When do you need specific
details?
establishing probable cause
describing people at the scene
listing injuries
explaining how you secured the crime
scene
providing a chain of custody for
evidence
6. What tips are helpful for interviews?
deal with emotions first
provide privacy if possible
ask for explanations for words and
expressions you don’t understand
(slang, foreign languages)
use quotation marks to record the exact
words spoken by a victim, witness, or
suspect
remember that hearsay is permissible in
a police report
7. To Learn More:
Criminal Justice Report Writing 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!
8. Find FREE report writing
resources online at
www.YourPoliceWrite.com