NPOST Report Writing 3

Question 1

Which verb tense is normally used to describe actions already completed in a report?

Accepted Answer

Past tense

Answer

Present tense

Answer

Future tense

Answer

Present continuous

Question 2

What is the best way to record a witness's exact words in a report?

Accepted Answer

In quotation marks as a direct quote

Answer

Paraphrased loosely

Answer

As the officer's own conclusion

Answer

Omitted to save space

Question 3

Which sentence is written most clearly and concisely?

Accepted Answer

I arrested the suspect

Answer

Due to the fact that the situation arose, an arrest was effectuated by myself

Answer

The suspect was, in my opinion, placed under arrest

Answer

An apprehension event transpired

Question 4

Why is accurate spelling of names and addresses critical in police reports?

Accepted Answer

Errors can lead to wrong identification or invalid records

Answer

It improves the officer's grade

Answer

It makes the report longer

Answer

It is only a stylistic preference

Question 5

Active voice is preferred in reports because it:

Accepted Answer

Clearly identifies who performed each action

Answer

Hides who did what

Answer

Sounds more formal

Answer

Uses more words

Question 6

Which detail is most appropriate to include when describing a suspect?

Accepted Answer

Approximate height, weight, and clothing

Answer

Whether you personally liked them

Answer

Your guess about their job

Answer

Your opinion of their character

Question 7

What should an officer do if they did not personally witness an event but learned of it from a witness?

Accepted Answer

Attribute the information to the witness as a source

Answer

State it as their own observation

Answer

Leave the source out

Answer

Present it as proven fact