Report Writing

Report Writing

Barbara Rivera

September 18, 2016

AIU Online

The importance of writing police reports accurately in a concise and understandable matter can make the difference in rightful conviction and an erroneous release of a guilty person. (Gauzens, n.d.) There are different types of reports to be filled out based on the type of situation involved. While there are basic questions officers use, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016) as starting points to gather information, it is important for them to elaborate in full detail so as to provide all accounts surrounding the crime. An officer’s credibility may depend on their ability to write an accurate and comprehensible report. (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016)

There are many different types of report law enforcement uses dependent upon the situation in which they are called to. These reports consist of: Arrest Reports (made at time of arrest, includes probable cause, arrest, and demeanor of the arrested person), Evidence Collection Reports (Launches the chain of evidence, who discovered the evidence, when and where it was located, who collected it, and its placement), Crime Reports (includes all aspects of the crime written after crime has occurred). There are Incident Reports (used to document events such as emergency medical calls or civil disputes), Intoxication Report (describing a suspect’s condition at the time of the crime, including the influence of substances of alcohol or drugs), and Clearance Reports (stating outcome of a case including the arrest, the recovery of property, and filing of a complaint. (Gauzens, n.d.)

In each type of report officers will start with the basic questions of who, what, when, where, why and how. Officers will further answer the questions that stem from the basic six. For instance, with the question of who, questions such as who discovered or reported the crime? (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016) Who saw or hear anything? Who had motive? Who was involved (was there help committing the crime)? Who is associated with the victim? Who is known to the witness? (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016)

Then there is the focus on the physical description. The height, weight, race, age, skin complexion, as well as color and shape of eyes will be documented. A description of clothing such as color, style, type of shoes, hats, glasses will be documented. Also where there any marks, tattoos, or visible scars? Did the suspect have any facial hair? Where there any weapons, and if so what did they look like? (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016) These are all features that help in apprehending the correct individual. The next focus will be on how the suspect got away. Did they leave on foot or in a vehicle? If in a vehicle, what was the make, model, and color? What direction did they go? Was anybody able to get the license plate number? (Pearson Criminal Justice , 2016)