Report Writing Flashcards

Which order should events be presented in a standard police narrative report?

Answer: Chronological order

Police narratives are written in chronological order so readers can follow events as they unfolded.

What point of view should an officer use when writing a report?

Answer: First person

Officers write in the first person to reflect their own direct observations and actions.

An officer writes 'The suspect appeared to be lying.' What is the main problem with this sentence?

Answer: It states an opinion/conclusion rather than fact

Reports should record observable facts, not the officer's unsupported conclusions about a person's truthfulness.

Which of these is the best example of an objective statement in a report?

Answer: The driver's eyes were red and his speech was slurred

Describing observable signs is objective, while labeling someone 'drunk' or 'guilty' is a conclusion.

Why should abbreviations and slang generally be avoided in police reports?

Answer: They can be misinterpreted by readers

Plain, standard language ensures the report is clear to anyone who reads it later.

What does the 'who' element of the Five Ws require an officer to document?

Answer: The people involved and their identities

'Who' captures the identities of victims, witnesses, suspects, and other involved parties.

If an officer makes a handwriting error in a paper report, what is the correct procedure?

Answer: Draw a single line through it and initial the change

A single line with initials keeps the original entry legible and preserves the report's integrity.