Report Writing Flashcards

A police report describes a suspect as 'approximately 6 feet tall, heavyset, wearing a red hoodie.' What type of information is this?

Answer: Physical description

Physical descriptions of suspects document observable characteristics and are a standard component of police reports.

When documenting a crime scene in a report, an officer should describe the location using:

Answer: Compass directions and fixed reference points

Compass directions and fixed reference points provide precise, reproducible location descriptions that others can verify independently.

Which of the following should an officer AVOID when writing a police report?

Answer: Using slang or informal language

Slang and informal language undermine a report's professionalism and can create ambiguity in legal proceedings.

Officer Chen writes: 'The suspect seemed nervous and guilty.' What is wrong with this statement?

Answer: It contains subjective opinion rather than observable facts

Stating someone 'seemed guilty' is an opinion; reports should document observable behaviors like 'the suspect avoided eye contact and fidgeted.'

A supplemental report is typically filed when:

Answer: New information becomes available after the initial report

Supplemental reports document new evidence, witness statements, or developments discovered after the initial report was completed.

In a use-of-force report, an officer must document:

Answer: The level of force used and the reason it was necessary

Use-of-force reports must justify the force applied by documenting the specific threat level and why the response was proportionate.

When writing the narrative section of a report, information should generally be presented:

Answer: In chronological order (first to last)

Chronological order mirrors how events actually unfolded, making the report easier to understand and verify.