CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORT WRITING
THE HOW AND WHY
Part 2
Principles of Police Report
Writing

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

Who will read your reports?
Readers may include…
 supervisors
 prosecutors
 defense attorneys
 reporters
 local officials

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

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

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)

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

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!

Find FREE report writing resources
online at www.YourPoliceWrite.com