You Have the Right to Remain Silent: The Rhetoric of Police Reports Leslie Seawright Assistant Professor of English Texas A&M University at Qatar

describe report writing as “painting a picture” or “telling a story.” I have often heard police officers describe report writing as “painting a picture” or “telling a story.”

Problems with this analogy: Self- Reflective Advocates for an action rather than describes an action Complicates decisions for prosecutors Creates ethical and legal dilemmas for officers and police departments

The Report:

Suspect’s statements made to officer Silence: Witness Information Witness’ Statement Consent to enter home Miranda rights Suspect’s statements made to officer

Conclusion The presence of police report silences have the potential to cause multiple problems for the officer, police departments, prosecutor’s office, and legal system as a whole. Officers need training in police report genre and audience awareness. Departments and Academies should replace the “telling a story” and “painting a picture” analogy of report writing with one that better describes the officer’s duty in accurately and ethically reporting on an event.

Works Cited