Field Notes/Report Writing

Question 1

Define Field Notes and Report Writing…

Answer 1

A police narrative is generally written as a summary of an account that a police officer encountered by the police officer him or herself.

The police narrative is usually written in the first person, through the eyes of the officer.

Question 2

What are the Five Basic Components of a well written police report?

Answer 2

1.) Summarize the event
2.) Describe the scene, and state the alleged crime
3.) Use simple language
4.) Include statements from vicitmis and witnesses
Note any knowledge of any suspects based on crime scene, witnesses and victims, but remain objective.

Question 3

What qualities does good writing have ?

Answer 3

1. ) Focus: The writing should be about one topic and not jump all over in a confusing manner.
2. ) Development: The story or paragraph should progress in a logical manner and lead the reader toward the end.
3. ) Unity: Every part of the writing should pertain to the main idea.
4. ) Coherence: The writing should make sense to the reader and ‘flow’ smoothly.
5. ) Correctness: The writing should be in the proper English with correct spelling punctuation and grammar.

Question 4

How to write a court worthy report.

Answer 4

1. ) Observe and listen. Demeanor of witnesses and interaction between parties offer a lot of insight into the situation.
2. ) Take good notes. Record the date, time and location of the incident.
3. ) Ask ‘who’, ‘what’, ,’when, ‘how’, and ‘why’.
4. ) Specify any relationships between the parties and witnesses, and interview them separately if necessary.
5. ) Describe the crime scene, and record any physical evidence you see or collect.
6. ) Record the names and contact information of any medical personnel and other law enforcement agencies who assist on the scene.
7. ) Specify reasons for searches and arrests to a avoid suppression issues.
8. ) Transfer your notes and observations into an actual police report.

Question 5

Police Report Party Definitions

Answer 5

1. ) Citizen Involved: In a police report, the police name each citizen involved in an incident.
2. ) Crimes Against Citizen: For violent crimes and crimes of deceit, the offender and the victim, or wronged citizen are considered the main parties.
3. ) Traffic Violations: Traffic accidents and moving violations involve three kinds of main parties; the drivers, the injured citizens and the owners of damaged vehicles and other property.

Question 6

What are Field Notebooks

Answer 6

Small enough to carry easily in your clothing.
Large enough for easy writing
Cloth bound with no loose-leaf pages
Pages numbered sequentially
Protected by adequate cover

Question 7

What is the purpose of notebook ?

Answer 7

Assist in preparing reports 
Detecting contradictions in statements 
Refresh your memory
Investigative aid
Reflect officer ability

Question 8

Define Responsibility…

Answer 8

The protection officer needs to ensure that he/she has all the facts details names addresses that will be required when it becomes time to complete his/her report.,

Question 9

Detect Contradictions statements

Answer 9

if the officer conscientiously make good notes regarding the events, then any contradiction or changes in facts or details will be found and further questioning may result in apprehension of the culprit or the recovery of assets or information.

Question 10

Refresh Memory

Answer 10

Note will remind you of what you actually saw, did, and heard.

Question 11

Investigative Aid

Answer 11

During the investigation, notes are being made of each

step in the investigation and subsequent reports being filled as they are completed.

Question 12

Tips on the use of notebooks

Answer 12

1. ) Prepare your notes in a legible manner
2. ) Keep your notes complete
3. ) Be Systematic
4. ) Abbreviation
5. ) Use all pages and spaces
6. ) Develop your own style
7. ) Record your notes as soon as possible
8. ) Avoid ripping out pages
9. ) Review

Question 13

Who Security Reports are for

Answer 13

Security Supervisor
Security Organization
Client
Various Civic Organizations
Various Segments of Industry
Courts ( Criminal and Civil)
Anyone who may request and is entitled to proprietary information.

Question 14

Types Of Security Reports

Answer 14

Daily Occurrence
Weekly Summary
Motor Vehicle Accident
Department Memorandums 
Visitor Access Logs 
Administrative Policy
Employee Evaluations
Event Occurrence
Post Orders

Question 15

Planning the Security Report

Answer 15

All the relevant facts should have been obtained and should be readily available.
Avoid Distractions
Be Thorough
Never leave a report incomplete at the end of your four of duty without authorization.

Question 16

The Six Essential Ingredients

Answer 16

Who?- Relates to who was involved in the event.
What?- Relates to the type of incident or event, what actually occurred.
When?- The time and date the event occurred.
Where?- The location that the event took place.
Why?- The motive
How?-The complete details on how the event happened from start to finish.

Question 17

Introduction

Answer 17

Let the reader known the briefest manner what basically occurred. It should include the date, the time, the location, people involved and what happened.

Question 18

Body

Answer 18

The detailed chronological narrative of what actually occurred, observations made, and subsequent interview, the inquiries, witnesses names, statements and descriptions.

Question 19

Conclusion

Answer 19

What follow- up actions are still required and expected time completion preventative actions taken and a brief summary of any points not covered in the body of the report.

Question 20

A well written report

Answer 20

Clear
Legible
Complete
Accurate
Brief
Re Read 
Prompt