NCJ Number
137483
Date Published
1990
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This manual presents and explains 10 basic guidelines for writing effective police reports.
Abstract
The first principle is to document properly all actions and observations in any incident that requires official action directly or indirectly that affects the life, liberty, or property of another person. In addition, police officers should always maintain their perspective regarding the purpose and audience, think before they write, take field notes, briefly outline the facts and circumstances before writing the formal report, record all relevant facts accurately, remain objective, strive for clarity and readability, read the report before submitting it, and have it reviewed. Checklists