Report Writing in Corrections

Hours: 2.00
# Course Code: REL-PS-0-RWC

Report writing is a crucial skill for correctional officers. Reports become a permanent record of staff’s actions in response to an incident, help document compliance with standards, and help provide vital information for administrators. In legal cases, misconduct reports may serve as the basis for lawsuits and/or prosecution. Writing reports can seem frustrating and time consuming when you struggle with writing or are given reports back from a supervisor to rewrite because it doesn’t contain or communicate the essential and precise details effectively. In this course, you will learn common types of reports in corrections, why a well-written report is necessary, tips to help you prepare for and complete the writing task, and how to evaluate a report according to the “5 C’s.” You will have opportunities to assess your understanding of concepts through interactive exercises.

Course Description

Report writing is a crucial skill for correctional officers. Reports become a permanent record of staff’s actions in response to an incident, help document compliance with standards, and help provide vital information for administrators. In legal cases, misconduct reports may serve as the basis for lawsuits and/or prosecution. Writing reports can seem frustrating and time consuming when you struggle with writing or are given reports back from a supervisor to rewrite because it doesn’t contain or communicate the essential and precise details effectively. In this course, you will learn common types of reports in corrections, why a well-written report is necessary, tips to help you prepare for and complete the writing task, and how to evaluate a report according to the “5 C’s.” You will have opportunities to assess your understanding of concepts through interactive exercises.

Certificates

Certificates provided by accrediting body (3 Match)

American Jail Association Certification

2.0 HOURS

This activity is approved for 2.00 contact hours.

California Board of State and Community Corrections

2.0 HOURS

This activity is approved for 2.00 STC credit hours.

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

2.0 HOURS

This course has been approved by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for 2.00 hours. CJA Lesson Plan #5707

Course Details

Course Code: REL-PS-0-RWC

Hours: 2

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 8/31/2023

Learning Objectives:
Identify 5 reasons why report writing skills are important.
Describe 4 things to consider when preparing to write a report.
Identify 3 parts to a well-structured and organized report.
List 10-20 types of details to consider including in your report related to who, what, when, where, why, and action taken.
Explain 4 strategies you can use to write clear and concise sentences.
\Explain the 5 C’s used to evaluate a report.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Importance of Good Report Writing A. Types of Reports B. Why Report Writing Skills Are Important C. Officer Brown’s Report D. The Supervisor’s Review E. Review F. Summary Section 3: The Pre-Writing Process A. Preparing to Write B. Determine Purpose of the Report C. Know Your Audience D. Understand How the Report May be Used E. Gathering Information F. Organize the Information G. Officer Brown’s Incident Report Outline H. Review I. Summary Section 4: The Writing Process A. It’s Time to Write! B. Structure Your Report C. Types of Details to Include D. Review E. Report Writing Rules F. Write Clear and Concise Sentences G. Use the Active Voice H. Avoid Being “Wordy” I. Use Strong, Precise Verbs J. Avoid Using Jargon and Acronyms K. Focus Paragraphs on One Topic L. Organize Paragraphs So They Have a Logical Flow M. Use Transitions N. Use Correct Spelling and Grammar O. Stick to the Facts P. Review Q. Summary Section 5: Evaluating Your Report A. Read, Proof, and Rewrite B. Evaluate Your Report Using the 5 C’s C. Sign Your Report D. Final Review: Officer Brown’s Revised Report E. Review F. Summary Section 6: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributor C. References D. Congratulations! E. Exam F. BrainSparks

Staff Writer: Kimberly Cobb, MS

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.
Disclosure: Kimberly Cobb, MS has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Correctional Officers; in the following settings: Adult Corrections.

Relias will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
Relias has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Support by completing the web form (https://www.relias.com/help) or by using the chat functionality.
All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of, or affiliation with, Relias, LLC.
All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Accommodations
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Customer Support here.

Report Writing in Corrections

$ 27.0 $27.00 $27.00

American Jail Association Certification

California Board of State and Community Corrections

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

$ 27.0 $27.00

$27.00