NCJ Number
80890
Date Published
1977
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Guidance is given police officers for preparing crime and arrest reports.
Abstract
Because police reports are generally so difficult to read and understand, they impede the complaint-issuing process and make it difficult for the prosecutor to determine who should be subpoenaed for trial. They also give the defense attorney a tool for confusing an officer's testimony. Most of the poor report writing results from attempts to copy other officers' reporting style and an effort to display literary style. Police reports should be kept simple, straightforward, and clear. The purpose of the police report is to provide unambiguous information. This is not achieved when an officer abandons everyday language and normal communication methods in writing a report. The suggestions offered in this training guide aim at making police reports more readable and factual by providing guidance for report format, improved word usage, and better writing technique. Examples of the principles stated are provided. Appended are sample reports, a report content checklist, and guidelines for testifying.