Report Writing

[KWalkerM]

when writing reports about incidents, is it in the officers best interest to write at a more basic level to accomodate those less inclined towards education or would you write the report to best articulate the situation even if some of the suspects may not be able understand them?

[Rattlesnake6.8]

Per my personal experience, it is recommended to keep the vocab basic and simple, but do articulate it very well. I rather write it plain and simple so everyone can understand than trying to impress with big words. You are not writing a novel so no need to use long vocab. Many time in court, DA will disect those big words used and a question becomes another question.

[Ron-Solo]

I never worried about a suspect understanding what I wrote.

Simple basic English is what is needed, written in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Grammar and spelling are important.

[Fundamentals]

Not a Leo, but taking report writing in school right now.

The report must be concise, it must be clear, and it must be complete. Reports are commonly written in past tense, first person, and active voice. They must be subjective and not objective.

Your report will be read by not just your peers and superiors, but by politicians, by lawyers, by judges, and even by the media. In this case, it is best to make it understandable to everyone, even if you have to 'dumb it down.' It would be very embarrassing to have to explain to some people what exactly you intended to write in your report.

[helmikins]

7th to 8th grade level is really all that is required. Every department has there own structure/style. Its all about putting all the required elements for the crime and then the mandated questions that you have to ask on certain calls.

[KWalkerM]

i was just thinking abou that while writing a page for english, thanks guys. while i may not show it online, i can actually punctuate and capitalize correctly haha

[Kiki]

KISS

[BigDogatPlay]

Simplest is best, factual and concise. Who, what, when, where, why and how. Establish the elements of the crime(s) being reported and document the evidence and statements that support your conclusions. You are not writing the report for it to be read by the suspect, after all. You are writing it as the basis for your testimony concerning the case in a court of law.

While it might be tempting you do not want to write a report with a specific audience in mind. Aside from members of a jury who might have varying levels of education, a police report is going to be scoured by people, attorneys, investigators and judges, with a lot more formal education, experience and proven writing skills than many peace officers. Sloppy work will diminish the power of the presentation as poor written work can cast doubt on the quality of the investigation that went into the report.

[KWalkerM]

Simplest is best, factual and concise. Who, what, when, where, why and how. Establish the elements of the crime(s) being reported and document the evidence and statements that support your conclusions. You are not writing the report for it to be read by the suspect, after all. You are writing it as the basis for your testimony concerning the case in a court of law.

While it might be tempting you do not want to write a report with a specific audience in mind. Aside from members of a jury who might have varying levels of education, a police report is going to be scoured by people, attorneys, investigators and judges, with a lot more formal education, experience and proven writing skills than many peace officers. Sloppy work will diminish the power of the presentation as poor written work can cast doubt on the quality of the investigation that went into the report.

Cool, that pretty much sums up everythig i was wondering. Thanks guys, i appreciate it and all yall do