Report writing is a crucial skill for supervision officers. Reports become a permanent record of staff’s actions in response to supervision situations, help document compliance with agency or department standards, and help provide vital information for administrators. In legal cases, reports may serve as the basis for lawsuits 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 community 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 Cs.” You will have opportunities to assess your understanding of concepts through interactive exercises.
This activity is approved for 2.00 contact hours.
This activity is approved for 2.00 STC credit hours.
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. Probation Officer Brown’s Parole Violation Summary 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. Assess Your Knowledge 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 Cs C. Sign Your Report D. Final Review: Probation 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
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 declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.
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