Differences in Report Writing Assignment
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Differences in Report Writing Documentation
Angelica Simmons
Criminal Justice, Liberty University
CJUS231- Criminal Justice Report Writing
Professor, Buckner
March 7
th
, 2024
Differences In Report Writing Documentation
Introduction
The demanding and diverse responsibilities of a law enforcement officer require a unique set of qualities not suited for everyone. Those in this profession must conduct themselves with the awareness that they are held to elevated standards. Careful handling of various situations, ranging from minor traffic offenses to serious felonies, is paramount. Thorough documentation of these incidents is crucial for maintaining the expected high standards of law enforcement. This
assignment will delve into the essential aspects of gathering information for both misdemeanor and felony investigations. It will emphasize the importance of accuracy in preparing reports. Additionally, we will explore the distinctions between internal and external statements and determine the optimal timing for completing these reports. Lastly, we will examine the role of a Christian worldview in the field of law enforcement, drawing inspiration from the biblical passage in the book of Isaiah that encourages the pursuit of justice and righteousness. The passage from Isaiah, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" (Open Bible, 2022), serves as the introductory quote for this research paper. Its profound resonance highlights the significance of embodying goodness in the eyes of God for those engaged in law enforcement. To achieve justice for the vulnerable, one must first strive to uphold moral values. Regardless of the nature of the crime, every individual is
a victim, and it is our duty to provide communities with a service that is honest, reliable, and efficient.
In our recent discussions, we've established that the severity of misdemeanor property offenses is contingent upon the value of the affected property. Each state has specific laws outlining precise dollar values associated with lost or stolen property, along with corresponding criminal charges. In Colorado, for example, a class 3 misdemeanor is assigned if the property's value ranges from fifty dollars to less than three hundred dollars (Morris & Merson, 2016). While property values differ from state to state, the essential information required for documenting an investigation remains consistent. The officer responding to an incident is tasked with notetaking and providing a narrative during the recording of investigations for all reports and inquiries. Unlike other crimes, property offenses place greater importance on the details of the target item. For such cases, the case report must incorporate an additional page referred to as a property continuation/supplement or inventory sheet (Morris & Merson, 2016, p. 129). Our research should encompass details such as the property's item number, amount, brand, model, description, serial number, value, and, if available, images.
An instance of a misdemeanor property crime serves as just one illustration, yet every investigation will commence with identical foundational principles. Throughout an inquiry, it is imperative to furnish responses to the six crucial questions: who was involved, what transpired, when it took place, where it occurred, why it happened, and how the events unfolded. Consistent with my prior professional experiences, irrespective of the gravity of the offense, every investigation must encompass a chronological narrative and address these six pivotal inquiries.
Felony offenses can be categorized into two primary groups, although this classification is not mandatory: crimes against individuals and crimes against property. Each state has specific laws delineating the severity of a crime, and law enforcement personnel must be familiar with or have access to these laws when documenting an incident. I find enjoyment in watching television
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dramas and criminal documentaries, appreciating the storytelling aspect they offer. Take, for instance, the introduction of the television series "Criminal Minds," which unfolds the aftermath of a felony offense. Initially, viewers are left in the dark about how the crime transpired, who was involved, or the sequence of events. The responsibility of the program's editors is to gradually elucidate the incident's occurrences. By the end of the 25-minute episode, viewers have
encountered suspects, evidence, witness and victim accounts, and often microscopic DNA linking the perpetrator to the crime, presented in chronological order. This deliberate sequencing is crucial, as it mirrors the procedures followed by law enforcement officials. When presenting an investigation in court to a diverse jury with varying educational backgrounds, these steps ensure clarity. Jurors, much like viewers of the show, may not be experts in forensics or law enforcement. Therefore, everyone needs to comprehend the language used in police documentation of a crime, as the use of jargon, acronyms, and specialized terminology may confuse when reports are read aloud during a trial.
The documentation will include additional details about individuals involved in criminal offenses. Comprehensive documentation of the victim's injuries, encompassing photographs, measurements, and comments, is essential. The severity of the committed crime can be ascertained by the extent of the victim's injuries, and any subsequent disclosure of additional injuries by the victim may elevate the classification of the crime. In your inquiry, it is imperative to incorporate statements from witnesses, the victim, and suspects. Establishing a rapport with the statement giver is crucial for obtaining a clear and accurate account. The person providing the statement should remain composed and coherent, and the law enforcement officer drafting it should delve deeper to ensure accuracy. When cases of this nature are presented for review, the case report is likely to undergo closer scrutiny (Morris & Merson, 2016, p. 145). The statements
may face challenges during the trial, and the documenting officer will be called upon to elucidate
the investigation's conclusions to the jury. The efficacy of your report holds sway over your performance in civil or criminal trials. Responding officers, if meticulous in documenting the investigation, should not feel threatened when appearing in court to defend their reports. Taking the time to document the investigation thoroughly and accurately is key to navigating court appearances with confidence.
As previously emphasized, a law enforcement officer must exhibit professionalism and adaptability. The specific job assignment of a law enforcement professional can be flexible with a solid foundation in report drafting. Adhering to protocols and state laws enables a prison officer
to perform duties akin to those of a patrol officer. Irrespective of the location of a crime, reporting and recording statements are mandatory. Reports or statements originating within correctional facilities, encompassing both jails and prisons, are termed internal statements (Morris & Merson, 2016, p. 194). Such reports become essential in incidents involving inmate control, firearm discharges, inmate injuries, or suicide attempts. As reiterated earlier, statements should aim to address the six fundamental questions from the perspective of the statement provider. It is imperative to employ proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling in all statement and report writing. Even seemingly minor spelling errors, such as confusion between "worn" and
"where," in documentation may undergo scrutiny in court, potentially jeopardizing the prosecution's case. Thorough proofreading of a statement is crucial after its completion to rectify any errors before finalization.
External statements or reports are crafted outside of a prison for various reasons. These reports are linked to incidents ranging from traffic violations to serious assaults. In external statements, it is imperative to include fundamental details such as the incident's location, the
individuals involved, the sequence of events, the motive behind the occurrence, how it unfolded, and the date of the incident. In the context of traffic accidents, the external report must incorporate specifics about the vehicle and the extent of the damage. It's essential to note that there is no standard crime scene, uniform body of evidence, or identical investigative strategy. While each incident, statement, and report will possess its unique characteristics, they should adhere to similar dynamics in terms of their content.
Central to a biblical worldview is the comprehension that each individual possesses a distinct purpose, which is to glorify God. Regardless of one's station in life, from serving as a high school janitor to assuming the esteemed role of President of the United States, the essence of achievement is found in prioritizing God within one's life, both in heart and mind. As articulated in Colossians, "To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Open Bible, 2022). This philosophical approach also permeates our engagements with law enforcement authorities. In scenarios ranging from navigating a prison environment, undergoing a traffic stop, conducting
a robbery investigation, to unraveling a murder case, our endeavors towards the greater good must be in harmony with principles that yield positive outcomes and are considered commendable in the sight of the Lord.
In the canonical text of Romans, it is articulated, "Let every individual be subject to the governing authorities, for there exists no authority except that which is ordained by God, and the authorities that exist have been established by God" (Open Bible, 2022). This passage is of profound significance to those vested with the responsibility of leadership and governance over others. Regrettably, certain individuals appointed to these esteemed roles may occasionally overlook the divine and sanctioned essence of their authority, as decreed by God. Thomas
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Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, eloquently proclaimed the inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, underscoring the belief that these inalienable rights are endowed by God. Officials within the law enforcement domain carry the duty of safeguarding these rights as vicars of God's authority. It has been observed that, with time, some individuals in
elevated positions of authority might neglect the recognition of these God-given rights. However,
a more extensive exploration of this matter will be deferred to a subsequent academic paper, thereby obviating immediate concern.
In our conversation, we delved into the essential components and details necessary for a comprehensive completion of both felony and misdemeanor investigations in this assignment. We explored the influence of the monetary value of damaged property on the severity of the charges. The categorization of criminal offenses into crimes against persons and crimes against property was discussed, emphasizing the importance of being well-versed in state laws when managing an incident. Additionally, we covered the distinctions between internal and external statements, highlighting their role in addressing the six key investigative questions.
Every police report should furnish sequential responses to the questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how an incident transpired. Illustrating how the principles of a chronological narrative align with those of a law enforcement duty, we also discussed the role of a criminal TV show editor, responsible for presenting a crime to a diverse viewing audience. To cater to the varied educational backgrounds of jurors, case reports must be written in straightforward language that is accessible to all readers. Our discussion emphasized the importance of officers having a robust foundation and being adaptable when composing reports on various incidents.
In conclusion, I highlighted the divine bestowment of authority upon law enforcement by God, underscoring the unfortunate oversight by certain leaders regarding the rights bestowed upon Americans by God. As this marks my final project for the course, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on what I've learned and advocate for the manifestation of the biblical worldview in our professional endeavors. Drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:8, which encourages contemplating truths, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, commendable qualities, excellence, and praiseworthy matters, I believe it is crucial to implement
these principles in our actions. The verse further encourages the application of learned and received values, promoting life under such virtues, with the assurance that the God of peace will be present.
References
Morris, K., & Merson, M. (2016). Report Writing for Law Enforcement and Corrections Professionals. Pearson Education (US).
U.S. Attorney Office. (2015, July 24). What Happens in a Felony Case. Retrieved from Justive.gov: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/programs/vwa-felony
Hale, L. N. (2019). Perception and Law Enforcement. Criminal Justice Institute
U.S. Attorney's Office. (2015, July 24). What Happens in a Misdemeanor Case. Retrieved from Justice.gov: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/programs/vwa-misdemeanor
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