PELLET B Report Writing & Clear Communication 3

Question 1

Which best describes a suspect's physical appearance for a report?

Accepted Answer

S/1 is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 30-35 years old, 5'8", 170 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, with a scar on the left cheek.

Answer

The suspect was a regular-looking guy, average build, nothing special.

Answer

The suspect looked Hispanic and was of medium height and weight.

Answer

S/1: male, Hispanic.

Question 2

Which demonstrates proper use of direct quotes vs. paraphrasing in a report?

Accepted Answer

V/Smith stated, 'He pointed the gun at my face and said give me the money.' V/Smith further stated that the suspect then ran eastbound on Main Street.

Answer

The victim said something about a gun and money and then the guy ran away.

Answer

V/Smith: 'He had a gun. He wanted money. He ran east on Main.'

Answer

According to victim Smith, there was allegedly a weapon involved and the suspect may have demanded currency before departing.

Question 3

Which best documents a consent search for legal protection?

Accepted Answer

I asked, 'May I search your vehicle?' The occupant responded, 'Yes, go ahead.' I then searched the passenger compartment.

Answer

I searched the car.

Answer

After obtaining consent I searched the vehicle.

Answer

A vehicle search was conducted.

Question 4

Which correctly documents chain of custody for evidence?

Accepted Answer

I collected one (1) Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, serial number J12345, from the bedroom closet floor. I placed it in Evidence Bag #4021 and logged it at the evidence locker at 1545 hours.

Answer

I found a gun in the closet and put it in evidence.

Answer

A firearm was recovered and properly stored.

Answer

Gun — closet — evidence bag — locker.

Question 5

How should an officer handle secondhand information in a report?

Accepted Answer

Attribute to its source: 'W/Jones stated that she heard the suspect threaten the victim earlier that day.'

Answer

Write it as fact: 'The suspect threatened the victim earlier that day.'

Answer

Omit it since the officer didn't witness it.

Answer

Include without attribution: 'The suspect had reportedly made threats.'

Question 6

Which closing statement is most appropriate for a report narrative?

Accepted Answer

No further action was taken at the scene. This case is pending further investigation. Report forwarded to Detective Division.

Answer

That's pretty much everything that happened.

Answer

Case closed — nothing else to report.

Answer

End of report. Officer signing off.