1. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORT WRITING THE HOW AND WHY Part I What is a Professional Police Report?

2. Why is report writing so important? A well-written report documents your words and actions provides data for statistical reports facilitates investigations showcases your professionalism 3. What are the qualities of a good report? It is efficient (officers are busy, and time is limited) thorough (information in the report may be needed for follow-up later on) professional (you may be judged on what youve written) objective (your report documents your fairness and honesty) 4. What makes a report efficient? It includes only necessary words and facts organizes the facts in a clear and logical sequence can easily be understood by anyone doing a follow-up investigation 5. What makes a report thorough? It includes all information needed for further investigation and action, such as Date, time, and location Serial numbers, makes, and models Victims, witnesses, and suspects Miranda rights Evidence Injuries 6. What makes a report professional? It uses Standard English (except when quoting someones exact words) meets guidelines for your agency or institution follows contemporary criminal justice practices 7. What makes a report objective? It states only what you saw, heard, or did omits opinions and hunches sticks to facts avoids judgments, explanations, and theories 8. To Learn More: Criminal Justice Report Writing is available in softcover ($17.95) from www.Amazon.com and in a variety of ebook and Apple formats (Kindle, Nook, SONY etc.) for $11.99 from www.Smashwords.com. Read a free sample online! 9. Find FREE report writing resources online at www.YourPoliceWrite.com