As a law enforcement officer, you spend a significant amount of time writing reports. While report writing isn’t one of the most exciting tasks you will perform, it is an important one. Your reports will become part of a permanent record, be read and possibly scrutinized by people inside and outside your department, and can become evidence in criminal and civil legal proceedings. Therefore, it is important to write reports that are clear, concise, accurate, and professional. 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 details effectively. In this course, you will learn why a well-written report is important, strategies for structuring a report, guidelines for improving your report writing skills, and how to evaluate a report according to the “5 Cs.” You will have opportunities to assess and apply your understanding of concepts through interactive exercises.
This activity is approved for 1.2500 contact hours.
Relias Learning is a continuing education sponsor as approved by the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. This course Report Writing for Law Enforcement Officers, 10397-0202 has been approved by the POST Board for continuing education credit. Peace officers who successfully complete this course will receive 1.25 hours of continuing education.
The sponsor of this course has a written policy for the investigation and resolution of allegations of classroom discrimination. This policy applies to all faculty, instructors, administrative staff, and students. A copy of the policy may be obtained from the sponsor by contacting Relias Support by phone at 1-800-381-2321.
This activity is approved for 1.25 contact hours.
This class has been accredited by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training for 1.25 hours of mandatory continuing education credit. Regarding any law enforcement concepts, practices, methods, techniques, products, or devices as might be taught, promoted, or otherwise espoused in outside schools or seminars, there is no intent, expressed or implied, that ‘accreditation’ indicates or in any way conveys ‘CLEET approval’ of such concepts, practices, methods, techniques, products, or devices, unless such approval is explicitly stated by CLEET.
This course has been approved by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for 1.25 hours. CJA Lesson Plan #5707
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Importance of Good Writing A. Types of Reports B. I Didn’t Sign Up For This C. Why Report Writing Skills Are Important D. Review E. Summary Section 3: Structuring Your Report A. Determine Purpose of the Report B. Know Your Audience C. Understand How the Report May be Used D. Brainstorm Information Needed E. Determine Source(s) of Information F. Refer to Your Field Notes G. Organize the Information H. Create an Outline I. Review J. Summary Section 4: Guidelines for Improving Your Reports A. Writing Rules Refresher B. Use the Active Voice C. Don’t Use Expletive Constructions D. Avoid Qualifiers E. Avoid Redundancy F. Use Strong, Precise Verbs G. Avoid Using Jargon H. Avoid using Acronyms I. Use Correct Spelling and Grammar J. Stick to the Facts K. Special Writing Considerations for Law Enforcement L. Short-Lived Evidence M. Exculpatory Evidence N. Be Truthful O. Provide Justification 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. Review E. Summary Section 6: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributors C. Resources D. References E. Congratulations! F. Exam G. BrainSparks
Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the Health and Human Services vertical, in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new Relias staff joining the Content Department. Mrs. Cobb has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 24 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, and training and technical assistance. She was the statewide evaluator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for adult, juvenile, and family drug courts; a Research Associate for the American Probation & Parole Association providing training and technical assistance to Native American Nations/Alaska Native Villages on systemic criminal and juvenile justice initiatives; and a Research Administrator for the University of Kentucky. Disclosure: Kimberly Cobb, MS has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.
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