Field Notes

Five Uses of Field Notes

1. Preservation of knowledge in written form

1. Recording details while still fresh in the mind of the officer, victim, witness, or suspect.

2. Recording details of evidence while it is still untouched.

2. Foundation of the formal written report

1. Notes will be assembled into report form.

2. Aids in re-assembling a sequence of events for the final report.

3. Information in the final report will be accurate.

4. Reasons why an officer may be unable to write a report immediately after an incident occurs:

(1) Medical emergencies requiring transportation.

(2) Fire emergencies requiring evacuation.

(3) Many calls, not enough personnel.

3. Aids in further investigation

1. What may initially seem unimportant in an investigation may prove to be very important as the investigation progresses.

2. Notes taken during an investigation can be used to counter later statement changes by victim(s), witness(es), or suspect(s).

4. Evidence in court

1. Notes may be used in court to refresh memory and to counter denials or statement changes.

2. Notes may be held and scrutinized by the court if referred to while giving testimony on the stand.

3. Poorly written notes may embarrass the peace officer and indicate poor investigative skills.

5. Documentation of the officer’s efforts in the field

1. Details of what steps the officer took during a call or investigation.

2. Record that the officer followed correct procedure:

(1) Proper notification(s) made.

(2) Name of person notified.

(3) Time of notification.

Hess, K. M., & Wrobleski, H. M. (2002). For the record: Report writing in law enforcement (5th

ed.). Bloomington, MN: Innovative Systems.