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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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