POST - Peace Officer Standards and Training Incident Report Writing Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is the MOST critical element to ensure a law enforcement incident report is effective for prosecution and internal review?

Accepted Answer

A detailed, objective, and factual account of the incident in chronological order.

Answer

Inclusion of the officer's personal opinions about the suspect's guilt.

Answer

Use of complex legal terminology and police-specific jargon.

Answer

A brief summary that only highlights the final actions taken, such as an arrest.

Question 2

An officer is writing a report about a domestic dispute. The female party, who has a bruised cheek, states, 'He's just a monster, he flew into a rage for no reason!' Which statement below is the most appropriate way for the officer to document this in the report?

Accepted Answer

Victim #1 stated, 'He's just a monster, he flew into a rage for no reason!'

Answer

The victim, who was clearly distraught, stated that the suspect is a monster and has a history of rage.

Answer

The suspect became enraged for no reason and assaulted the victim, confirming he is a monster.

Answer

I observed the victim was emotional. She believes the suspect is a monster who gets angry without cause.

Question 3

When structuring the narrative of an incident report, the most common and generally preferred method is to organize the information:

Accepted Answer

Chronologically, detailing the events in the sequence they occurred.

Answer

By category, grouping all witness statements together, then all evidence, etc.

Answer

In order of importance, starting with the most serious aspect of the crime.

Answer

In reverse chronological order, starting with the officer's arrival and working backward.

Question 4

An officer responds to a burglary call. The report narrative includes the following sentence: 'I observed that the suspect appeared very nervous and was probably trying to hide something.' Why is this statement problematic in a professional incident report?

Accepted Answer

It includes subjective conclusions and assumptions about the suspect's state of mind.

Answer

It uses the first-person pronoun 'I'.

Answer

It fails to mention the specific crime being investigated.

Answer

It is too short and lacks descriptive detail.

Question 5

Which of the following is an essential component of every complete incident report, often referred to as one of the '5 W's and H'?

Accepted Answer

The specific location (WHERE) the incident occurred.

Answer

The officer's personal hypothesis on the suspect's motive.

Answer

The weather conditions at the time of report writing.

Answer

The brand of the pen used to take field notes.

Question 6

In a well-written incident report, clarity and conciseness are key. Which of the following should an officer AVOID to ensure the report is easily understood?

Accepted Answer

Using police jargon, acronyms, and 'legalese' without explanation.

Answer

Using simple, direct language.

Answer

Writing in the active voice.

Answer

Defining any necessary technical terms.