3. You should familiarize yourself with four
categories of criminal justice reports:
Type 1: Officer records information: no
action is taken
Type 2: Officer records information and
takes action (investigation, arrest)
Type 3: Officer becomes part of the
scenario (such as pursuing or subduing a
suspect)
Type 4: Officer is the initiator (sees, hears
something suspicious and gets involved)
4. In Types 1, 2, and 3, the officer is usually
dispatched to the scene.
In Type 4, the officer makes the decision
to become involved after seeing or
hearing something suspicious. Probable
cause MUST be included in Type 4
reports.
5. Knowing these 4 Types…
simplifies report writing
gives you a template to work with
alerts you about the special requirements for
each type of report
ensures you won’t miss anything important
6. Type 1 Reports
simplest to write
officer records what happened
incident reports fall into this category
no law, statute, or regulation has been
broken
report may be useful later if there are
further developments
7. Type 2 Reports
officer takes action: investigation, arrest
officer is usually dispatched to the scene
officer thoroughly reports results of
investigation, even when negative (may
be useful later)
disposition of evidence and suspect
important
8. Type 3 Reports
officer becomes part of the scenario,
such as pursuing or subduing a suspect
all other requirements still apply: explain
arrival at the scene, results of
investigation, disposition of evidence
and suspect
9. Type 4 Reports
officer initiates action: sees or hears
something suspicious and decides to get
involved
traffic stops are generally Type 4 reports
probable cause is essential
all other requirements still apply: explain
arrival at the scene, results of
investigation, disposition of evidence
and suspect
10. 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!
11. Find FREE report writing
resources online at
www.YourPoliceWrite.com