NCJ Number
195400
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 46-48
Date Published
May 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article outlines five processes that can lead to police officers writing more effective reports.
Abstract
First, effective report-writing begins at the police academy. Lectures, learning activities, videos, and role-playing exercises elicit specific behavior that builds a foundation for good report-writing. Second, the field training officers must mold academy trainees to departmental standards and the expectations of the criminal justice system. If field training is inadequate, recruits will search for any report-writing model that will get them through the probationary period, and what they settle on is seldom the best model available. Third, supervisors must monitor and maintain a good report-writing system. Supervisors must be aware of the academy curriculum, the purpose of the field training program, and how to link the agency's report-writing needs to the successful prosecution of criminals. Supervisors must thoroughly read each report submitted to ensure that it reflects an investigation. Fourth, a department should have a report-writing manual and must train officers to use it properly. Officers' report-writing must be critiqued in accordance with the standards presented in the manual. Finally, there must be ongoing training in report-writing. This training should focus on the flaws in report-writing that supervisors have observed in evaluating officer reports.