In police work, writing an effective crime report requires attention to detail and clear communication. It also requires avoiding personal opinions and biases. These tips offer guidelines for preparing crime scene reports that are well written, accurate, and easily understood by investigators, prosecutors, and judges.
Start by recounting the incident in chronological order, focusing on the people involved and their actions. Write as if you were telling it to your supervisor or attorney, and avoid using jargon that makes sense only within the department. Instead of simply stating that a suspect looked suspicious, describe his appearance, movements, clothing and behavior.
Note any weapons, vehicles or other items used in the incident. This will help identify suspects and provide valuable information to the investigating officer. Be sure to include the type and serial number of any firearms recovered, as well as the location where they were found.
List all the events and observations that occurred, including any action taken by officers during the incident. The more detailed your reporting, the better your evidence will be in court if you are ever challenged in a lawsuit.
The FBI uses a system called NIBRS to calculate, report and present crime statistics. It is designed to give law enforcement agencies a more complete picture of crime than traditional crime reporting systems by including all unique incidents (cases) and more offense types.