Policing isn’t just boots and badges—it’s also pens and paper (or keyboards). Every call, arrest, and encounter hinges on proper documentation. That’s why report writing is one of the most critical—and underestimated—skills you’ll sharpen in the academy. Strong reports don’t just tell a story—they protect your case and your credibility.
1. Accuracy Over Everything
In report writing, details matter. A misspelled name or wrong time can undermine your entire case in court.
Tip: Double-check every fact. Names, dates, times, addresses—get them right the first time and verify when needed.
2. Keep It Clear and Chronological
Your report should read like a timeline. Recruits are taught to follow the sequence of events as they happened—no jumping around.
Tip: Stick to who, what, when, where, why, and how. Keep it factual, not flowery. Use short, active sentences.
3. Be Objective, Not Emotional
Your job isn’t to tell a dramatic story—it’s to record the facts without bias. Emotion has no place in official documentation.
Tip: Avoid assumptions, slang, or exaggerated language. Write like you’re testifying in court… because you might be.
4. Document Observations and Statements Separately
There’s a difference between what you saw and what someone said. Mixing them up creates confusion and liability.
Tip: Use phrases like “The subject stated…” versus “I observed…” Keep direct quotes in quotation marks when possible.
5. Proofread Like Your Badge Depends on It
Because it does. A sloppy report reflects poorly on your professionalism and can damage a case.
Tip: Reread before submitting. Even better—read it out loud. Look for grammar, clarity, and flow. If it doesn’t make sense to you, it won’t to the judge.
Final Thoughts
Excelling in report writing training means taking pride in the written word. Officers who write clearly and carefully are trusted not only by their departments—but by the courts and the community.
For more law enforcement training tips, visit www.armoganct.com.
Best,
Barbara
Armogan Training Team
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