Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

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 course consists of competencies and learning objectives from the following blocks of instruction from the Law Enforcement Standards Board 520 hour Law Enforcement Basic Training Curriculum. Report Writing - 22 hours Testifying in Court - 8 hours

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Explain the context of report writing.

Assessment Strategies

by discussing various types of law enforcement reports

by describing what belongs in a law enforcement report and what does not belong in a law enforcement report

Criteria

you discuss arrest reports, offense reports, information reports, protective custody reports and emergency detention reports

you 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

you list the internal and external audiences who read police reports

you exclude opinions, editorials, assumptions and identifying information on confidential informants in law enforcement reports
Take effective field notes. ***

Assessment Strategies

*** by taking accurate field notes

by taking accurate notes during interviews

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 can be understood the next time the student reviews them based on what was written and how clearly it was written

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 appropriate for the situation

report written from the field notes is accurate, clear and concise
Organize information in reports.

Assessment Strategies

by organizing a narrative for a report from your field notes

Criteria

you review your field notes

you make a rudimentary outline

you organize any documents

you use organization strategies and principles

you follow a format in your report to make the report easy to read / follow
Write clear, correct, complete, and accurate narratives.

Assessment Strategies

by writing clear, direct sentences

by writing effective reports

Criteria

Use-of-Force:

you explain why good use-of-force reports are important

you include approach considerations, intervention options, and follow-through considerations in the report

Domestic Violence:

you describe the scene

you describe any injuries

you document every individual s spontaneous statements/excited utterances

you document every individual's demeanor (including children)

you document any attempt made by a suspect to intimidate the victim or manipulate the interview

you document any evidence collected

you document the victim's rights information given and information regarding community resources/safety planning
Describe what information should be included in certain types of reports. ***

Assessment Strategies

***by completing reports after a simulated incident

Criteria

Use of Force narrative is clear and accurate

Use of Force narrative includes information on their approach considerations

Use of Force narrative includes information on the intervention options utilized

Use of Force narrative includes information on their follow-through considerations

you correctly identify which statements are not appropriate for a narrative on domestic violence

you identify how to make the information pertinent to a domestic violence narrative

you discuss with the class or instructor the results of the worksheet

you participate in a class discussion regarding the information that should be included in a domestic violence narrative
Complete various uniform citations and the paperwork accompanying arrests and other detentions. ***

Assessment Strategies

*** by completing reports after a simulated incident

Criteria

citation/form is legible

you select an appropriate form for the situation

written citation/form follows the prescribed format, meeting criteria for all components

written citation/form contains correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax and word usage
Prepare for court.

Assessment Strategies

by describing an officer's role in a preliminary hearing

by describing an officer's role in a criminal trial

Criteria

you 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

you 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

you create at least three questions that would be used by the prosecutor at a criminal trial for this scenario

you create at least three questions that would be used by the defense at a criminal trial for this scenario
Describe how to be an effective witness.

Assessment Strategies

by describing tips for testifying in court

by maintaining a professional demeanor at all times during the role-play

Criteria

you arrive at "court" professional in both appearance and demeanor

your reports and preparations for "court" demonstrates that you are a competent, careful, and thorough investigator

your first impression shows that you dress and carry yourself professionally

your behavior at "court" demonstrates that your demeanor - your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions - contribute more than actual words to the jury's impression of you

you show during your testimony how you should look and act in court (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, remain calm and attentive, and stay professional)
Testify as a witness in court. ***

Assessment Strategies

*** by participating in a mock trial

Criteria

you answer questions accurately

you ensure you understand what is being asked and that it is appropriate for you to respond (if you do not understand a question, ask for clarification)

you 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)

you avoid traps during cross-examination

you are straightforward, neutral, and professional and answer questions honestly and forthrightly