1. CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORT WRITING THE HOW AND WHY Part 2 Principles of Police Report Writing

2. How are reports written? Practices vary.You may be writing on a blank sheet of paper typing on a laptop writing the complete report on your own filling in spaces on a paper form or computer screen

3. Who will read your reports? Readers may include supervisors prosecutors defense attorneys reporters local officials

4. What do reports do? They provide information for further investigation record what happened at the scene demonstrate your professionalism build a case for prosecution and conviction supply facts for databases and statistical reports

5. What are the challenges? Confusion can arise when you try to reconstruct events that preceded your arrival sift through differing accounts from witnesses and suspects filter emotions to arrive at the facts make decisions about the disposition of evidence and suspects

6. What principles should guide you? Your report should use active voice use names record exactly what you did, even if the results are negative (footprints, fingerprints, sobriety tests) stick to the facts (no guesses or theories)

7. What skills should you develop? You should be able to find north, south, east, west anywhere learn the length of your stride be able to remember details about clothing, build, jewelry, and facial characteristics conduct an interview efficiently and accurately

8. To Learn More: Criminal Justice ReportWriting 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