SDPD - San Diego Police Department Report Writing Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

An SDPD officer is writing a report about a residential burglary. Which of the following statements is the most appropriate for the report because it is objective and factual?

Accepted Answer

I observed the south window was shattered, and the window frame was damaged.

Answer

The suspect appeared nervous and was probably looking for an escape route.

Answer

The witness was uncooperative and didn't seem to care about the crime.

Answer

The victim was hysterical and couldn't provide a coherent statement at first.

Question 2

The primary purpose of organizing an incident report's narrative in chronological order is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a clear, logical, and easy-to-follow account of the sequence of events as they occurred. [5, 8, 20]

Answer

Ensure the most serious crime is described first for the District Attorney.

Answer

Prioritize the officer's actions over the statements of witnesses.

Answer

Make the report easier to read for media representatives.

Question 3

An officer writes in their report: "The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Central Jail by Officer Smith." Which of the following is the most effective way to rewrite this statement using the preferred active voice?

Accepted Answer

Officer Smith placed the suspect under arrest and transported him to the Central Jail.

Answer

The suspect's arrest and transport to the Central Jail were completed by Officer Smith.

Answer

Having been placed under arrest, the suspect was then transported to the Central Jail.

Answer

The transport of the suspect to the Central Jail was done by Officer Smith after the arrest.

Question 4

When writing the narrative for an arrest report, the information must be articulated with enough factual detail to clearly establish what legal standard?

Accepted Answer

Probable cause

Answer

Proof beyond a reasonable doubt

Answer

Reasonable suspicion

Answer

Preponderance of the evidence

Question 5

Which of the following describes the most critical function of a well-written police report within the judicial process?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the foundation for the District Attorney's office to evaluate the case and determine if criminal charges should be filed. [6]

Answer

It provides the primary data used by the department for tracking city-wide crime statistics.

Answer

It acts as a formal record for the officer's supervisor to evaluate their daily performance.

Answer

It is used to brief the media about significant incidents in the community.

Question 6

An officer is drafting a report and needs to include all the essential elements of information. The report details the date, time, and location of the incident, describes the suspect and victim, and explains the actions taken. Which of the following fundamental questions is MOST likely to be answered in the 'Modus Operandi' (MO) or narrative section?

Accepted Answer

How?

Answer

Who?

Answer

When?

Answer

Where?