1. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORT WRITING THE HOW AND WHY Part 3 Preparing to Write a Report

2. How do you prepare to write a report? At the scene… have writing materials with you (a small notebook in a pocket for emergencies is a good idea) observe and remember record information promptly take thorough, readable notes

3. What information is important? what happened at the scene anything a suspect said, word-for-word anything you and other officers did contact information for witnesses investigations you carried out, even if results were negative disposition of evidence and suspects

4. What else is important? Date, time, and location Serial numbers, makes, and models Victims, witnesses, and suspects Investigations and results Miranda rights Evidence Injuries

5. When do you need specific details? establishing probable cause describing people at the scene listing injuries explaining how you secured the crime scene providing a chain of custody for evidence

6. What tips are helpful for interviews? deal with emotions first provide privacy if possible ask for explanations for words and expressions you don’t understand (slang, foreign languages) use quotation marks to record the exact words spoken by a victim, witness, or suspect remember that hearsay is permissible in a police report

7. To learn more, go to…  2011 Maple Leaf Press