NPOST Incident Report Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'who' element of a complete incident report refer to?
- The location of the crime
- The people involved: victims, suspects, witnesses, officers (Correct answer)
- The time of dispatch
- The type of weapon used
Correct answer: The people involved: victims, suspects, witnesses, officers
The 'who' identifies all persons connected to the incident.
Question 2: An officer should document a witness's physical description of a suspect by:
- Recording only the officer's own impression
- Noting specific features such as height, build, clothing, and distinguishing marks (Correct answer)
- Writing 'average looking person'
- Skipping it unless an arrest is made
Correct answer: Noting specific features such as height, build, clothing, and distinguishing marks
Specific, observable features make a description useful for identification.
Question 3: Why is it important to record the exact time entries throughout an incident?
- To make the report appear longer
- To establish an accurate timeline for investigation and court (Correct answer)
- Because times are required to be guessed
- To impress supervisors
Correct answer: To establish an accurate timeline for investigation and court
Precise times create a verifiable sequence of events that supports the investigation.
Question 4: Which statement should NOT appear in an objective incident report?
- The suspect was holding a black handgun in his right hand
- The witness stated she heard two gunshots
- I could tell the suspect was guilty by his eyes (Correct answer)
- The victim had a laceration above the left eyebrow
Correct answer: I could tell the suspect was guilty by his eyes
Judging guilt from someone's eyes is a subjective conclusion, not an observable fact.
Question 5: When multiple officers respond to a scene, each officer's report should:
- Be identical word-for-word
- Reflect only what that officer personally observed and did (Correct answer)
- Be written by the senior officer alone
- Omit any actions taken
Correct answer: Reflect only what that officer personally observed and did
Each officer documents their own firsthand observations and actions.
Question 6: What is the purpose of including the 'how' element in a report?
- To describe the manner and method by which the incident occurred (Correct answer)
- To list the officer's badge number
- To record the weather forecast
- To name the responding supervisor
Correct answer: To describe the manner and method by which the incident occurred
The 'how' explains the method or means by which the event took place.
Question 7: A clear and concise report narrative is best achieved by using:
- Long, complex sentences with legal jargon
- Short, simple sentences in plain English (Correct answer)
- Slang and informal abbreviations
- Vague descriptions to stay safe
Correct answer: Short, simple sentences in plain English
Short, plain sentences improve clarity and reduce misinterpretation.
NPOST Incident Report Writing 3
What does the 'who' element of a complete incident report refer to?