Week 8- Report Writing

A police report is considered an official statement of fact because it is a document created by law enforcement officers to record details about an incident or crime. It is used as an official record and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. The information contained in a police report is expected to be accurate and objective, based on the observations and investigations conducted by the police officers involved. Therefore, it can be deemed as a reliable source of factual information regarding the incident or crime in question.

The six questions to answer in a police report are: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. These questions help provide a comprehensive and detailed account of an incident. "Who" refers to the individuals involved, "What" describes the events or actions that took place, "When" indicates the date and time of the incident, "Where" specifies the location, "Why" explores the motives or reasons behind the incident, and "How" explains the methods or manner in which the incident occurred. By addressing these questions, a police report can provide a clear and thorough understanding of the situation.

The correct answer is Initial, Supplemental, and Concluding. These are the three basic types of police reports. An initial report is the first report filed by the responding officer at the scene of a crime or incident. A supplemental report is an additional report filed to provide further information or updates to the initial report. A concluding report is the final report filed to summarize the investigation and its findings. These three types of reports are essential for documenting and recording information related to criminal activities or incidents.

A good police report should be complete, meaning it includes all necessary information and details. It should also be clear and concise, ensuring that the information is presented in a straightforward and easily understandable manner. The report should be factual and accurate, providing an objective account of the events without any bias or personal opinions. It should be timely, meaning it is submitted promptly after the incident to ensure the information is fresh and relevant. Additionally, the report should be grammatically correct and legible, allowing for easy reading and comprehension. Lastly, it should be fair and objective, presenting the facts without any prejudice or favoritism towards any party involved.

The correct answer includes all the required elements that must be included in an Initial report according to Louisiana R.S. 44:3A. These elements include a narrative description of the alleged offense, the names and identification of each person charged or arrested, the time and date of the offense, the location of the offense, the property and vehicles involved, and the names of investigating officers.

Police reports are important as they determine the effectiveness of the investigator. These reports serve as a basis for action at higher levels, allowing supervisors and other officials to make informed decisions. They also provide crucial information to others involved in the case, such as other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Additionally, police reports establish the validity and magnitude of the complaint, helping to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the situation.