PELLET B Report Writing & Clear Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which best describes a suspect's physical appearance for a report?
- 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. (Correct answer)
- The suspect was a regular-looking guy, average build, nothing special.
- The suspect looked Hispanic and was of medium height and weight.
- S/1: male, Hispanic.
Correct 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.
Option A provides comprehensive descriptors including age, height, weight, hair, eyes, and distinguishing features.
Effective descriptions include: designator, ethnicity, sex, age range, height, weight, hair, eyes, and distinguishing marks.
Question 2: Which demonstrates proper use of direct quotes vs. paraphrasing in a report?
- 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. (Correct answer)
- The victim said something about a gun and money and then the guy ran away.
- V/Smith: 'He had a gun. He wanted money. He ran east on Main.'
- According to victim Smith, there was allegedly a weapon involved and the suspect may have demanded currency before departing.
Correct 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.
Option A quotes exact words for the critical threat and paraphrases supplementary details.
Quote the threatening words for prosecution. Paraphrase the flight direction where exact wording matters less.
Question 3: Which best documents a consent search for legal protection?
- I asked, 'May I search your vehicle?' The occupant responded, 'Yes, go ahead.' I then searched the passenger compartment. (Correct answer)
- I searched the car.
- After obtaining consent I searched the vehicle.
- A vehicle search was conducted.
Correct answer: I asked, 'May I search your vehicle?' The occupant responded, 'Yes, go ahead.' I then searched the passenger compartment.
Option A documents the request, exact verbal consent, and scope of search.
Defense attorneys challenge search legality. Detailed documentation protects the officer.
Question 4: Which correctly documents chain of custody for evidence?
- 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. (Correct answer)
- I found a gun in the closet and put it in evidence.
- A firearm was recovered and properly stored.
- Gun — closet — evidence bag — locker.
Correct 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.
Option A documents who, what (specific description with serial number), where, how packaged, where stored, and when.
Gaps in chain of custody can render evidence inadmissible. Specificity is essential.
Question 5: How should an officer handle secondhand information in a report?
- Attribute to its source: 'W/Jones stated that she heard the suspect threaten the victim earlier that day.' (Correct answer)
- Write it as fact: 'The suspect threatened the victim earlier that day.'
- Omit it since the officer didn't witness it.
- Include without attribution: 'The suspect had reportedly made threats.'
Correct answer: Attribute to its source: 'W/Jones stated that she heard the suspect threaten the victim earlier that day.'
Secondhand information must be attributed so readers can assess reliability.
Proper attribution lets prosecutors and defense attorneys evaluate the information.
Question 6: Which closing statement is most appropriate for a report narrative?
- No further action was taken at the scene. This case is pending further investigation. Report forwarded to Detective Division. (Correct answer)
- That's pretty much everything that happened.
- Case closed — nothing else to report.
- End of report. Officer signing off.
Correct answer: No further action was taken at the scene. This case is pending further investigation. Report forwarded to Detective Division.
Option A documents disposition, case status, and routing.
The closing ensures the next handler knows exactly where things stand.
PELLET B Report Writing & Clear Communication 3
Which best describes a suspect's physical appearance for a report?