Objectives To communicate valid conclusions supported by data. To write clear, coherent laboratory reports related to scientific investigations. Use data as evidence to support scientific arguments and claims in written or oral presentations.

Technical Writing Is written communication intended to inform an audience of practical or scientific knowledge Includes: field notes investigation reports lab reports

Communication Skills Are necessary for forensic scientists notes and reports are used to help police investigators and prosecutors develop theories about cases notes and reports may also be used directly as evidence in a court case forensic experts will be required to testify in court and must be able to explain complicated concepts to jurors

Technical Writing Must allow the audience to easily find and understand specific information Must be: accurate clear concise organized data-based

Accuracy Requires writing specific and true information avoid generalizations, such as: more many large small provide all relevant information Instead of: “The body was still warm and was stiff so the victim was not dead very long” Use: “The body’s internal temperature was at 94.1 degrees Fahrenheit and had developed rigor mortis, thus the victim was likely dead between three and four hours.”

Clarity Requires writing content which is easy to understand Involves: using terms familiar to the audience and defining unfamiliar words when necessary explaining difficult concepts in simplified language avoiding large words only to look impressive

Clarity Involves: using concrete language do not use figurative or metaphorical language which requires interpretation using an outline to ensure logical organization of information

Conciseness Aids with clarity and allows audience to easily identify essential information Involves: getting rid of any extra unnecessary words for example: say “result” instead of “end result” including only necessary information

Organization Allows the audience to find the appropriate information quickly scannable Requires presenting information in a logical order using headings and graphic elements to indicate where information is located Technical documents are not often read straight through like a novel, but are more likely to be scanned for the important information. This makes clarity, conciseness and organization extremely important in any technical document.

Data Are facts and statistics objective details based on results from research and investigation Are used to develop and support conclusions Data is required to make any statements in forensic science. A forensic scientist should never make statements which they have not backed up with fact.

Common Genres in Forensic Science Include: field notes investigative reports lab reports Genre refers to a group or classification of texts which are similar in style, form or subject matter. We commonly hear genre being used to classify creative writing (e.g. science fiction, romance, mystery), however genre can be used to classify technical writing as well.

Understanding Genre Provides information on how to format technical documents genre expectations explain how to write, what to write and how to organize and distribute text

Field Notes Are used to record information at the scene of an incident Are more effective than relying on an officer’s memory Reduce the need of having to revisit the scene or contact witnesses again Serve as primary reference for any investigative or incident reports written later used in court to verify the accuracy of reports written

Field Notes Require certain stylistic elements in order to be effective avoid usage of abbreviations or slang words when slang or abbreviations are used by witnesses, explain the meaning detail actions chronologically explain the steps officers took to examine the scene as they occur avoid documenting theories, opinions, analysis only include facts in the field notes

Field Notes Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: summary begin with basic information about the case for example: what was the crime, who responded, etc.

Field Notes Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: scene describe the scene including anything unusual and out of place, weather, condition and location of area scene notes also provide description and location of evidence as well as the state of bodies found at the scene (when applicable) descriptions of the scene need to be made before any interference from investigators

Field Notes Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: processing explain the methods used to process the crime scene and document who was on the scene and what everyone’s purpose was evidence collected provide a detailed log of what evidence was found, how it was collected, how evidence was labeled and where evidence was sent

Field Notes Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: pending written last create a list of tasks which will need to be completed

Investigative Reports Provide documentation explaining the process of an investigation Require certain stylistic elements in order to be effective written in first person bulleted information numbered pages Should only include accurate and verified information

Investigative Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: title page includes pertinent case information such as the case name and number, date, investigators, contact information when reports are particularly long they may also require a table of contents

Investigative Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections description of incident facts presented about the incident and include the source of information identification of victims, suspects and witnesses as much information should be included as possible including name, gender, social security number, birthday, address, phone number

Investigative Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: evidence documentation description of the evidence and all identifying information such as serial numbers steps taken this is a detailed list of what has been accomplished over the duration of the investigation

Investigative Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: investigation findings an explanation of all results or discoveries conclusion state what was found as a result of investigation for example: stating the possible law violations should provide a summary of what is explained in detail in the full report without being repetitive

Investigative Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: exhibits documents relevant to the case for example: chain of custody documentation, lab reports or interview transcripts

Lab Reports Document the procedure and results of investigative tests and procedures, such as DNA or toxicology analysis Can be used in court Should be maintained throughout the process of examination rather than written at the end of an examination allows reports to be more accurate, not relying on memory

Lab Reports Require certain stylistic elements in order to be effective include analysis of results lab reports are written by experts on a topic meant to be read by non-experts needs to explain results and implications to readers

Lab Reports Require certain stylistic elements in order to be effective do not “solve the case” never say absolutes such as “this proves the suspect murdered the victim,” instead present professional opinions only on what can be told from the examination such as “the evidence indicates the suspect had a physical altercation with the victim before the victim’s death” only conclude what the evidence shows, never make inferences or hypotheses in a lab report it is the job of police investigators or prosecutors to make inferences and hypotheses

Lab Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: executive summary explains the results of an examination quickly for readers objectives explains the purpose of the examination for example: “to scan a computer for digital photographs related to an abduction”

Lab Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: evidence analyzed description and identifying information for evidence which was analyzed for example: serial numbers or item numbers steps taken description of the examination step-by-step for example: the process used to identify DNA in a blood sample

Lab Reports Are formatted differently according to different departments, however they all typically include the following sections: relevant findings results of the examination which are relevant to the case conclusion provide analysis of the results and implications of results on the case

Acknowledgements Assistant Brand Manager Whitney Orth Graphics Editor Melody Rowell Quality Control Director Angela Dehls V.P. of Brand Management Clayton Franklin Executive Producer Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D. © MMXVII CEV Multimedia, Ltd.