NPOST Report Writing 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Chronological order

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

First person

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It states an opinion/conclusion rather than fact

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They can be misinterpreted by readers

Answer

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

NPOST Police Test Practice Test