NCJ Number
129937
Date Published
1991
Length
348 pages
Annotation
This text is designed for use by police officers at all levels to improve their skills in writing clear and precise reports.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that police personnel should view themselves as information managers and realize that law enforcement reports are the single permanent and often public record of their competence and expertise. It also emphasizes that the writing of a report should begin mentally the moment the officer is dispatched to the scene of a crime, traffic accident, or other situation. The guidelines explain the materials and equipment needed for information collection and management; the use of words, worksheets, and checklists; and the difference between narrative and expository reports. It also discusses methods for interviewing and taking written statements, making sketches and photographs, and keeping a log of investigative activities. Step-by-step instructions are also given for specific types of reports, including reports of complex criminal investigations, criminal intelligence reports, vehicle collision investigation reports, crime prevention reports, and reports by detectives. Forms, checklists, case examples, illustrations, guidelines on the technical aspects of writing, five model reports, and appended discussion of interviewing suspects and using computers in information management and report writing, and index