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

Abbreviations and slang can cause confusion and misinterpretation. Reports should use clear, standard language that can be understood by anyone who reads them, including judges, barristers, and jury members.

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

A scene sketch supplements photographs and written descriptions by showing the spatial relationships between key elements at the scene, including measurements, compass directions, and the locations of evidence.

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

Facts are things directly observed, measured, or verified (e.g., 'the window was broken'). Inferences are conclusions drawn from facts (e.g., 'the burglar entered through the window'). Reports should clearly distinguish between the two.

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

An Garda Síochána uses the 24-hour clock format for precision and to avoid ambiguity between AM and PM. For example, 14:30 hours is unambiguous, whereas '2:30' could mean morning or 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

'Acting suspiciously' is vague and subjective. The report should describe the specific observed behaviours, such as 'the suspect was observed looking into car windows and trying door handles on three separate vehicles on Main Street.'

IPAT Practice Test

IPAT Practice Test

IPAT Report Writing 2