OACP Report Writing Fundamentals 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'objective' language in a police report?

Accepted Answer

Language based on verifiable observations free from personal bias

Answer

Objective language reports what was seen, heard, or measured without filtering it through personal opinion or bias.

Question 2

In a property theft report, what distinction must be made regarding property value?

Accepted Answer

The complainant's estimated value and any confirmed market value should both be noted

Answer

Recording both the owner's estimate and any confirmed value ensures accuracy without requiring the officer to appraise property independently.

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'occurrence number' assigned to a police report?

Accepted Answer

It is a unique identifier linking all documents and updates related to the same incident

Answer

The occurrence number is the primary index key that connects the initial report, supplements, and related files into a single investigation record.

Question 4

An officer writes that a scene 'smelled strongly of marijuana.' What type of observation is this?

Accepted Answer

A sensory observation that is factual and appropriate to include

Answer

Olfactory observations are legitimate sensory perceptions that can be documented as factual observations by a trained officer.

Question 5

Why is it important to document the exact location of evidence within a crime scene in the report?

Accepted Answer

To establish the spatial relationship of evidence, which may be critical to reconstructing events

Answer

The precise location of evidence helps reconstruct the sequence of events and supports or refutes statements made by involved parties.

OACP - Ontario Association of Chief of Police Practice Test