Report Writing Flashcards

Scenario: You attend a minor traffic collision. The driver of Vehicle 1, John Smith, is shouting and waving his arms. Which is the most professional way to describe his demeanor in your report?

Answer: The driver, John Smith, spoke in a raised voice and made expansive hand gestures.

Police reports must be objective and factual. Describing specific actions ('spoke in a raised voice', 'made expansive hand gestures') is objective. Using subjective labels like 'angry', 'hysterical', or 'aggressive' introduces opinion and should be avoided.

Scenario: Vehicle 2 has damage to the front passenger door. How should you describe this in your report?

Answer: The red hatchback had a large dent in the front passenger-side door and a broken side mirror.

Clarity and specificity are crucial in report writing. Vague terms like 'wrecked' or 'significant damage' are unhelpful. Stating the exact location and nature of the damage provides a clear, factual record.

Scenario: A witness states, "The blue car definitely ran the red light." How should this be documented in the report?

Answer: A witness stated that Vehicle 1 proceeded through a red traffic signal.

A witness statement is evidence, but it is not confirmed fact until proven. The report should accurately reflect what was said without presenting it as an undeniable truth. Paraphrasing accurately ('proceeded through a red traffic signal') is a professional way to record this.

Scenario: It is raining lightly at the collision scene. Which statement is most appropriate for the report?

Answer: Weather conditions at the scene were overcast with light rain, and the road surface was wet.

The report should include relevant conditions that might have contributed to the incident. The best answer is factual, precise, and notes the effect of the weather (wet road surface) without drawing conclusions about causation.

Which is the best opening sentence for a police report summary about the traffic collision?

Answer: At approximately 14:30 hours on 15/07/2023, I was dispatched to a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Main St and High St.

A strong opening sentence should be a concise summary of the key facts: who, what, where, and when. This option provides the time, date, nature of the incident, and location, giving the reader immediate context.

Which of the following statements is INAPPROPRIATE for a police report because it is based on opinion rather than fact?

Answer: The driver of Vehicle 2 was obviously lying about her speed.

Police reports must be based on observable facts and direct statements. Stating that someone is 'obviously lying' is a conclusion and an opinion, not an observation. An officer should report on the person's statements and any conflicting evidence, but not on their perceived truthfulness.

Scenario: The driver of Vehicle 2, Jane Doe, refuses to provide her driver's license when you request it. How should you document this?

Answer: When requested, Jane Doe failed to produce her driver's license for inspection.

The most professional and objective way to report this is to state the facts of the event. 'Failed to produce' is neutral, factual language that describes the action (or lack thereof) without adding subjective or emotional commentary like 'uncooperative' or 'bad attitude'.