10504905Report Writing
Course Information
Description
In this course, the learner will explain the context of report writing, take effective field notes, organize information in reports, write narratives, describe what information should be included in certain types of reports, prepare for court, describe how to be an effective witness, and testify as a witness in court. This is part of the criminal justice courses.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Explain the context of report writing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Differentiate arrest reports, offense reports, information reports, protective custody reports, and emergency detention reports
    Include the 5 W's (+H), elements of the crime, identifying information, observations at the scene, and directions for follow up in law enforcement reports
    List the internal and external audiences who read police reports
    Exclude opinions, editorials, assumptions and identifying information on confidential informants in law enforcement reports

  2. Take effective field notes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product – field notes
    Criteria
    Field notes are in note form and are not complete sentences unless it is a direct quote
    Field notes match what occurred in the video clip
    Field notes are interpreted accurately the next time you review them
    Field notes have each person’s information organized so as to not confuse one's person information with the other
    Field notes contain the physical conditions of the environment, persons, weather, or as otherwise appropriate
    Field notes contain observations of the subjects involved
    Field notes contain direct quotations if necessary for the situation
    Report written from the field notes is accurate, clear, and concise

  3. Organize information in reports
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Create an outline as specified by the instructor
    Organize documents according to strategies and principles specified by the instructor
    Follow a format in your report to make the report easy to read / follow

  4. Write clear, correct, complete, and accurate narratives
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product – sentences, report
    Criteria
    Use-of-Force:
    Explain why good use-of-force reports are important
    Include approach considerations, intervention options, and follow-through considerations in the report
    Domestic Violence:
    Describe the scene
    Describe any injuries
    Document every individual’s spontaneous statements/excited utterances
    Document every individual's demeanor/outward behavior (including children)
    Document any attempt made by a suspect to intimidate the victim or manipulate the interview
    Document any evidence collected
    Document the victim's rights information given
    Document information regarding community resources/safety planning

  5. Arrange information for certain types of reports
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product – report, simulated incident
    Criteria
    Use of Force narrative is clear and accurate
    Use of Force narrative includes information on approach considerations
    Use of Force narrative includes information on intervention options utilized
    Use of Force narrative includes information on follow-through considerations
    Identify which statements are not appropriate for a narrative on domestic violence
    Identify how to make the information pertinent to a domestic violence narrative

  6. Prepare a Wisconsin uniform traffic citation for a first offense Operating While Intoxicated charge
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product – citation/form, simulation
    Criteria
    Citation is complete and legible
    Citation includes the appropriate statute number
    Citation includes a literal description of the violation
    Bond amounts and points are current to the Wisconsin Uniform Citation Bond Book
    Citation contains all pertinent driver and vehicle information provided from the sample record

  7. Prepare for court
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Describe an officer's role in a preliminary hearing
    Describe an officer's role in a criminal trial
    Create at least three questions that the prosecutor would use at the preliminary hearing to determine whether or not probable cause would exist to believe that the defendant committed the crime
    Create at least three questions that the defense would use at the preliminary hearing to prove that probable cause would NOT exist to believe that the defendant committed the crime
    Create at least three questions that would be used by the prosecutor at a criminal trial for this scenario
    Create at least three questions that would be used by the defense at a criminal trial for this scenario

  8. Describe how to be an effective witness
    Assessment Strategies
    Role play
    Criteria
    Describe best practices for testifying in court
    Your reports and preparations for court role play demonstrate that you are a competent, careful, and thorough investigator
    Your first impression is a professional appearance
    Demonstrate effective demeanor - your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions – which contribute more than actual words to the jury's impression of you
    Look interested and open to questions from both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney
    Look at both the attorney asking you questions and the jury
    You are calm and attentive
    You remain professional during your testimony

  9. Testify as a witness in court
    Assessment Strategies
    Mock trial
    Criteria
    Answer questions accurately
    Interpret what is being asked and respond at most effective, appropriate time
    Verify/clarify the question asked, if necessary
    Answer the question that is asked and then stop
    Resist the temptation to explain or justify your actions beyond what is requested in the question, particularly on cross-examination
    Your answer is as accurate as you can make it (always tell the truth no matter what)
    Avoid traps during cross-examination
    Demonstrate being straightforward, neutral, and professional
    Answer questions honestly and forthrightly / directly