NCJ Number
19195
Date Published
1975
Length
6 pages
Annotation
GUIDELINES ARE PRESENTED FOR THE POLICE OFFICER ON PREPARATION OF THE PROSECUTION REPORT, THE TYPES OF INFORMATION THAT MUST BE RECORDED, PREPARING WITNESSES FOR TRIAL, AND PREPARING THE OFFICER'S TESTIMONY.
Abstract
ELEMENTS WHICH SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE OFFICER'S REPORTS AND NOTES ARE THE PROBABLE CAUSE FOR ARREST, DETAILED INFORMATION ON EVIDENCE, AND STATEMENTS OF WITNESSES. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL REPORTS BE WRITTEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER AN INCIDENT, REGARDLESS OF THE PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL FATIGUE OF THE OFFICER. ORGANIZATION OF THE OFFICER'S NOTES ON AN INCIDENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED. THE RECOMMENDED ELEMENTS OF A PROSECUTION'S REPORT INCLUDE THE DEFENDANT'S NAME, BIRTHDATE, SEX, AND RACE; CHARGE; JURISDICTION; DATE OCCURRED; DATA, TIME, AND LOCATION OF ARREST; ORIGINAL CHARGE; OFFICERS WHO MAY TESTIFY; CODEFENDANTS; COMPLAINANT-WITNESSES; AND A NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE CRIME AND THE EVIDENCE. THE VALUE OF CONFERRING WITH THE PROSECUTOR FROM THE INVESTIGATIVE STAGE TO THE POST-TRIAL STAGE IS STREESSED. A DISCUSSION GUIDE IS INCLUDED.