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.