IPAT Report Writing 2

Question 1

When completing a witness statement form, which of the following should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Using abbreviations and slang that may not be understood by all readers

Answer

Including the witness's full name and contact details

Answer

Recording the date and time of the statement

Answer

Noting the witness's relationship to the parties involved

Question 2

What is the purpose of a scene sketch in a Garda report?

Accepted Answer

To provide a visual representation of the scene showing positions of persons, vehicles, evidence, and other relevant features

Answer

To demonstrate the officer's artistic ability

Answer

To replace the need for photographs

Answer

To entertain the reader of the report

Question 3

In report writing, what is the difference between a 'fact' and an 'inference'?

Accepted Answer

A fact is something directly observed or verified; an inference is a conclusion drawn from the facts

Answer

There is no difference in police report writing

Answer

A fact is an opinion; an inference is a guess

Answer

A fact must be in writing; an inference can be verbal

Question 4

When recording times in a Garda report, which format is standard?

Accepted Answer

24-hour clock format (e.g., 14:30 hours)

Answer

12-hour clock with AM/PM

Answer

Approximate times (e.g., 'around lunchtime')

Answer

Written out in words (e.g., 'half past two in the afternoon')

Question 5

A Garda report states: 'The suspect was acting suspiciously.' What is wrong with this statement?

Accepted Answer

It is vague and subjective — it should describe the specific behaviours observed

Answer

Nothing is wrong — it is perfectly acceptable

Answer

It should say 'very suspiciously' for emphasis

Answer

It should use the suspect's name instead of 'the suspect'

Question 6

What should an officer do if they make an error while writing a handwritten report?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, initial and date it, and write the correction nearby

Answer

Use correction fluid to cover the error

Answer

Start a completely new report from the beginning

Answer

Scribble over the error to make it unreadable