SSPO Incident Report Writing Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following statements is the most objective and appropriate for an incident report?

Accepted Answer

The subject appeared nervous, was sweating profusely, and avoided eye contact.

Answer

The driver was clearly intoxicated and acting belligerent.

Answer

I believe the suspect was trying to conceal the stolen item in his jacket.

Answer

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

Question 2

An officer is writing a report about a residential burglary. Which of the following details is LEAST critical to include in the initial narrative?

Accepted Answer

The officer's plan to follow up with the detective bureau next week.

Answer

The point of entry, such as a broken window in the rear of the house.

Answer

A list of the stolen items as reported by the homeowner.

Answer

The date and time range during which the incident occurred.

Question 3

When structuring the narrative section of an incident report, what is the most widely accepted and effective format to follow?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order, detailing events as they happened from beginning to end.

Answer

Order of importance, with the most critical facts listed first.

Answer

Reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent event.

Answer

Categorical order, grouping information by witness, suspect, and victim.

Question 4

Officer Miller responds to a traffic collision. The first driver states the second driver ran a red light. The second driver states the first driver was speeding. An independent witness states the first driver had a green light. In his report, how should Officer Miller document these statements?

Accepted Answer

Attribute each statement to the specific person who said it, using direct quotes if possible.

Answer

Conclude that the second driver was at fault based on the independent witness statement.

Answer

Only include the statement from the independent witness as they are the most reliable source.

Answer

State, 'Driver 2 ran the red light, causing the collision with Driver 1.'

Question 5

Which of the following is a common error in police report writing that can diminish the report's credibility and effectiveness in court?

Accepted Answer

Using police jargon or unclear abbreviations without explanation.

Answer

Using simple, everyday language instead of complex terminology.

Answer

Writing in the first-person, active voice (e.g., 'I observed...').

Answer

Including specific dates, times, and addresses.

Question 6

The 'Six Essential Questions' that a comprehensive incident report should answer are:

Accepted Answer

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?

Answer

Who, What, Why, How, When, and Which?

Answer

When, Where, Why, How, Which, and Whose?

Answer

What, Why, How, Who, Whose, and Where?