SSPO Incident Report Writing Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following statements is the most objective and appropriate for an incident report?
- The driver was clearly intoxicated and acting belligerent.
- The subject appeared nervous, was sweating profusely, and avoided eye contact. (Correct answer)
- I believe the suspect was trying to conceal the stolen item in his jacket.
- The victim was hysterical and couldn't provide a coherent statement.
Correct answer: The subject appeared nervous, was sweating profusely, and avoided eye contact.
An objective incident report should document observable facts, not conclusions or opinions. Stating that the subject was sweating and avoiding eye contact describes specific behaviors, whereas labels like 'intoxicated,' 'belligerent,' or 'hysterical' are subjective conclusions. The officer's beliefs about the suspect's intentions are speculation and should be avoided.
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?
- The point of entry, such as a broken window in the rear of the house.
- A list of the stolen items as reported by the homeowner.
- The officer's plan to follow up with the detective bureau next week. (Correct answer)
- The date and time range during which the incident occurred.
Correct answer: The officer's plan to follow up with the detective bureau next week.
Police reports should document what has already occurred and the facts of the incident (who, what, when, where, why, how). Stating future intentions, such as planning to follow up, is inappropriate for an incident report because circumstances may prevent the action from happening, which could damage the officer's credibility. The point of entry, list of stolen items, and timeline are all essential facts of the event.
Question 3: When structuring the narrative section of an incident report, what is the most widely accepted and effective format to follow?
- Order of importance, with the most critical facts listed first.
- Reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent event.
- Chronological order, detailing events as they happened from beginning to end. (Correct answer)
- Categorical order, grouping information by witness, suspect, and victim.
Correct answer: Chronological order, detailing events as they happened from beginning to end.
The standard and most effective way to write an incident report narrative is in chronological order. This format provides a clear, step-by-step account of the incident as it unfolded, making it easy for others (supervisors, detectives, attorneys) to understand the sequence of events.
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?
- Conclude that the second driver was at fault based on the independent witness statement.
- Only include the statement from the independent witness as they are the most reliable source.
- State, 'Driver 2 ran the red light, causing the collision with Driver 1.'
- Attribute each statement to the specific person who said it, using direct quotes if possible. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Attribute each statement to the specific person who said it, using direct quotes if possible.
The officer's role is to report the facts and statements as they were given, not to determine fault or draw conclusions in the initial report. Each person's account should be documented and attributed to them (e.g., 'Driver 1 stated...', 'Witness Smith reported...'). This maintains objectivity and accurately reflects the information gathered at the scene.
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?
- Using simple, everyday language instead of complex terminology.
- Writing in the first-person, active voice (e.g., 'I observed...').
- Including specific dates, times, and addresses.
- Using police jargon or unclear abbreviations without explanation. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Using police jargon or unclear abbreviations without explanation.
Using unexplained police jargon or abbreviations can confuse readers who are not in law enforcement, such as attorneys, judges, and jury members. A credible report should be written in clear, plain language that anyone can understand. Using the active voice and including precise details are considered best practices.
Question 6: The 'Six Essential Questions' that a comprehensive incident report should answer are:
- Who, What, Why, How, When, and Which?
- Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? (Correct answer)
- When, Where, Why, How, Which, and Whose?
- What, Why, How, Who, Whose, and Where?
Correct answer: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?
A complete and thorough incident report must answer the six essential questions: Who was involved? What happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? and How did it happen? Answering these questions ensures all critical details of the incident are documented.
SSPO Incident Report Writing Skills Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements is the most objective and appropriate for an incident report?