Frontline National Incident Report Writing Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An officer is writing a report narrative about a subject who was uncooperative during a field interview. Which of the following statements is the MOST objective and appropriate for the report?
- The subject was belligerent and had a bad attitude, clearly trying to obstruct the investigation.
- The subject became angry and refused to answer my questions.
- The subject stated, 'I'm not talking to you,' and crossed his arms over his chest. (Correct answer)
- It was obvious the subject was hiding something because he wouldn't cooperate.
Correct answer: The subject stated, 'I'm not talking to you,' and crossed his arms over his chest.
This answer is the most objective because it provides a direct quote and describes a specific, observable action ('crossed his arms'). It avoids subjective conclusions like 'belligerent,' 'angry,' or 'hiding something,' which are interpretations of the subject's state of mind.
Question 2: Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of organizing an incident report's narrative in chronological order?
- To make the report longer and more detailed for the sergeant's review.
- To allow the officer to include their personal opinions as the event unfolds.
- To create a clear, logical, and easy-to-follow account of the incident from beginning to end. (Correct answer)
- To prioritize the most serious actions or crimes at the beginning of the report.
Correct answer: To create a clear, logical, and easy-to-follow account of the incident from beginning to end.
A chronological narrative ensures that anyone reading the report (e.g., supervisors, attorneys, jurors) can understand the sequence of events as they occurred. This logical flow prevents confusion and provides a clear picture of the incident.
Question 3: An officer writes the following sentence in a report: "The perp was told to cease and desist his disorderly conduct but was non-compliant." What is the best revision of this sentence for clarity and professionalism?
- I told the guy to knock it off, but he wouldn't listen.
- The subject was instructed to stop yelling and causing a disturbance, but he refused to do so. (Correct answer)
- The perpetrator was officially admonished to terminate his tumultuous actions but remained recalcitrant.
- The perp's non-compliance with my cease and desist order was noted.
Correct answer: The subject was instructed to stop yelling and causing a disturbance, but he refused to do so.
This option replaces police jargon ('perp,' 'cease and desist,' 'non-compliant') with plain, professional language that clearly describes the action taken by the officer and the subject's response. It is easily understood by a civilian audience, such as a jury.
Question 4: A well-written incident report should primarily be a record of:
- The responding officer's conclusions about the suspect's guilt.
- The departmental policies that were followed during the incident.
- The officer's personal feelings and assumptions about the people involved.
- Factual observations, direct statements, and actions taken. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Factual observations, direct statements, and actions taken.
The core of a good report is objectivity. It must contain only facts: what the officer saw, heard, and did, along with direct quotes from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Conclusions, opinions, and feelings compromise the report's integrity.
Question 5: Read the following report excerpt: "Upon arrival, I observed two males actively fighting. I separated the parties. The victim stated he was struck in the face. The suspect, who had a bloody lip, stated he was acting in self-defense. An ambulance was requested for the victim." Which of the essential '5 Ws' is most clearly missing from this summary?
- Who
- What
- Why
- Where (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Where
The excerpt details 'Who' (two males, victim, suspect), 'What' (a fight), and implies 'Why' (self-defense claim), but it completely omits the location of the incident. A location ('Where') is a fundamental component required in every incident report.
Question 6: Which of the following statements represents a factual observation rather than an officer's inference or conclusion?
- The witness was deceptive because she avoided eye contact.
- The driver fumbled with his wallet and slurred his words when he spoke. (Correct answer)
- The suspect was nervous, which indicated he was guilty.
- The victim was clearly exaggerating her injuries for attention.
Correct answer: The driver fumbled with his wallet and slurred his words when he spoke.
This statement describes specific, observable actions ('fumbled with his wallet,' 'slurred his words') without assigning a reason or interpretation. The other options draw conclusions ('was deceptive,' 'indicated he was guilty,' 'was clearly exaggerating') which are subjective and should not be included in the narrative.
Frontline National Incident Report Writing Questions and Answers
An officer is writing a report narrative about a subject who was uncooperative during a field interview.
Which of the following statements is the MOST objective and appropriate for the report?