DPSST Report Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A report contains the sentence: 'The victim said the suspect was big.' What revision best meets professional report-writing standards?
- 'The victim stated the suspect was large in stature.'
- 'The victim reported the suspect was approximately 6'2" and 220 lbs.' (Correct answer)
- 'The victim claimed the suspect appeared bigger than average.'
- 'The victim alleged the suspect was oversized.'
Correct answer: 'The victim reported the suspect was approximately 6'2" and 220 lbs.'
Specific measurements replace vague descriptors, providing objective, actionable information for investigators and court proceedings.
Question 2: Which of the following correctly identifies a 'conclusory statement' that should be avoided in a report narrative?
- 'The suspect's hands were shaking.'
- 'The suspect fled on foot northbound on Main Street.'
- 'The suspect was obviously guilty.' (Correct answer)
- 'The suspect matched the description provided by the caller.'
Correct answer: 'The suspect was obviously guilty.'
Determining guilt is a judicial function; 'obviously guilty' is a legal conclusion that has no place in an objective report narrative.
Question 3: Why is it important to document the exact time of each event in a use-of-force incident report?
- To satisfy an administrative quota for documentation detail
- To establish a timeline that can verify or refute conflicting accounts (Correct answer)
- To demonstrate the officer followed a timed protocol
- To allow the agency to bill for overtime accurately
Correct answer: To establish a timeline that can verify or refute conflicting accounts
Precise timestamps create a verifiable timeline that supports or challenges witness accounts and ensures investigative accuracy.
Question 4: Under Oregon law and DPSST standards, which of the following is an officer required to document when conducting a Terry stop?
- The racial demographics of the surrounding neighborhood
- Reasonable, articulable facts that justified the stop (Correct answer)
- Whether the officer has previously stopped the same individual
- The number of similar stops made during that shift
Correct answer: Reasonable, articulable facts that justified the stop
A Terry stop requires reasonable, articulable suspicion, and the report must document the specific facts that created that suspicion.
Question 5: What does the acronym 'FARO' stand for in the context of report-writing structure taught in DPSST curricula?
- Facts, Actions, Results, Observations (Correct answer)
- Field Activity Report Overview
- Findings, Arrests, Records, Outcomes
- First Account, Responding Officer
Correct answer: Facts, Actions, Results, Observations
FARO—Facts, Actions, Results, Observations—is a structural framework used to organize narrative elements logically in a law enforcement report.
Question 6: An officer writes in a report: 'I believe the subject was lying.' This statement is problematic primarily because it is:
- Written in first person
- A subjective opinion rather than an observable fact (Correct answer)
- Too brief to be meaningful
- Missing a reference to Miranda rights
Correct answer: A subjective opinion rather than an observable fact
Reports must document observable facts; personal beliefs about credibility are opinions that can undermine the report's objectivity.
Question 7: Which best describes the role of 'exculpatory information' in a law enforcement report?
- It must be withheld until charges are filed to prevent tainting the case
- It must be documented even if it contradicts the officer's theory of the case (Correct answer)
- It is only relevant if the suspect formally requests it
- It can be omitted if the officer deems it unreliable
Correct answer: It must be documented even if it contradicts the officer's theory of the case
Brady obligations require that exculpatory information be disclosed and documented, regardless of whether it supports or undermines the prosecution's case.
DPSST Report Writing 3
A report contains the sentence: 'The victim said the suspect was big.' What revision best meets professional report-writing standards?