Quick Guide to Report Writing

You are a training officer in a criminal justice agency. You have noticed that newly hired officers seem to struggle with report writing. You have decided to provide a tool that outlines the qualities of an effective report in an easily referenced format.

Create a chart or table using Microsoft® Word that includes the following:

• An introduction identifying some of the types and uses of written communication in the criminal justice field
• The main requirements and features of a police report
• Definitions and explanations of those requirements and features in one or two sentences
• A summary that explains why the features identified are essential to an effective report, and why an effective report is important in the criminal justice process