NCJ Number
93463
Journal
Journal of California Law Enforcement Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (1982) Pages: 15-21
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Police officers could greatly improve the quality of their reports and reduce the time spent on writing them if they changed some of the basic approaches used.
Abstract
For the miscellaneous, noncriminal cases which often require 30 to 50 percent of the patrol division's time and resources, narrative reports should be replaced by a checklist form which collects basic administrative information, records only the necessary details about each incident, and can be easily completed in the field. This report would be called a Miscellaneous Service Report. In addition, writing certain types of reports on the scene, using the assigned case number, and giving a copy to the victim on the scene could save much time and create more favorable citizen attitudes toward the police. Police agencies should use indexing systems to improve access to information in case reports. At least one officer in each agency should understand the principles and techniques of case indexing. Finally, standards on style should be included in every manual on writing reports. These standards would help prevent the confusion which results from the use of awkward and sometimes misleading words, sentences, and phrases. Reporting writing needs to become a high priority in every agency. Samples of miscellaneous service reports are provided.