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 Content Writer for Public Safety and Health and Human Services at Relias. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Mrs. Cobb has 24 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. She has worked in direct service positions as well as in research, training, and technical assistance capacities. 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 managing federal, state, and foundation grants awarded to the College of Medicine, Behavioral Science department, Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, and Kentucky Rural Medical Centers.

 

Disclosure: Kimberly Cobb, M.S. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.