Filling in the Blanks Basics of Report Writing

Report Writing for Crime Scenes

A Report is A report is a recording of facts onto a permanent, formal document or record – initially it may be in verbal form. It may be used in criminal or civil court proceedings, internal disciplinary actions, or to refresh a person’s memory, and it may provide the basis for further action. A report provides details of an incident or an accident, documenting action taken because of that event, and providing continuity during an investigation.

A Report is A report is a recording of facts onto a permanent, formal document or record. – Initially it may be in verbal form. It may be used in criminal or civil court proceedings, internal disciplinary actions, or to refresh a person’s memory. It may provide the basis for further action. A report provides details of an incident or an accident, documenting action taken because of that event, and providing continuity during an investigation.

A Report The best possible report is one that leaves no question in the mind of the reader.

A Report must be: Clear – The reader must be able to know exactly what happened by reading what you wrote, since the chances are that you will not be there later to answer questions. Concise – Limit yourself to just the facts, no opinion unless attributed to a named witness. Or, your conclusion. Complete – All relevant facts must be in the report. There may not be another opportunity to gather facts first-hand, after you leave the scene.

Critical Questions ? Names, addresses, phone numbers & e- mail of those involved and contacted. Who? Names, addresses, phone numbers & e- mail of those involved and contacted. ? Describe what happened, what was done, what you did. What? Describe what happened, what was done, what you did. ? What was the location of the incident? Draw a diagram. Where? What was the location of the incident? Draw a diagram.

Critical Questions ? Dates, times of what happened. When? Dates, times of what happened. ? What were the reasons it happened? Why? What were the reasons it happened? ? What was the time period involved, how long had the condition existed? How Long? What was the time period involved, how long had the condition existed? ? What did you do? Action Taken? What did you do?

Circumstantial Evidence Circumstantial evidence is evidence providing important information surrounding the events of a crime but not directly proving the elements of a crime. From this circumstantial evidence, the existence or non- existence of facts at issue may then be inferred. Example A suspect’s fingerprints found at the scene of a burglary do not prove the suspect committed the crime. However, they do prove the suspect had been at the scene of the crime

When YOU Write a Report 1) You define yourself as being either professional or non-professional within your field; and 2) You reflect – to everyone who reads that report – the competency of your employer and yourself.

When YOU Write a Report “Write every report as though that is the report that will end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.” Lt. Ray Gregory, BPD (Ret.)