CJU231 Types of Reports Assignment
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Research Paper: Types of Reports Assignment
Sabrina V. Miller Liberty University: Helms School of Government
CJUS231: Criminal Justice Report Writing
Professor Franz Blanchard M.S.
27 November 2023
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Research Paper: Types of Reports ASSIGNMENT
The role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety is vital, and one of the most essential things law enforcement officers do is document different incidents through various reports. This research paper seeks to extensively study some major reports in the criminal justice system: Traffic Crashes, Misdemeanor Crimes, Felony Crimes, and Domestic Violence Crimes. In defining the peculiarities of each report, the data needed, why they should be finished, and their significance and accuracy issues, this paper attempts to broaden knowledge on the reporting
environment concerning law enforcement. Various circumstances may arise where law enforcers need to fill out specific forms to ensure correct documentation. Traffic Crashes, Misdemeanor Crimes, Felony Crimes, and Domestic Violence Crimes each have distinct hurdles that have to be
cleared by the respective reports. This research aims to comprehensively explore these reports by
investigating the information required for their completion, highlighting why they are needed, and accurately highlighting the importance of reporting.
Although completing a traffic crash form may not appear to be the most exciting component of police, it is critical to take the time to complete it correctly
(Morris & Merson, 2017). Traffic wrecks are complex affairs that have consequences on both criminal and civil fronts (Cubbage, 2023). The seriousness of these accidents varies, demanding accurate reporting to establish guilt, prevent any possible litigation, and improve overall traffic safety. Law enforcement officers use particular forms, such as traffic crash reports, to keep meticulous records of vital aspects surrounding these occurrences. These reports go beyond legal requirements as they help identify hazardous intersections that create awareness among the general public.
Cutting corners or failing to put checkpoints in the relevant reporting sections of a motor vehicle crash form will result in key crash information being missed
(Morris & Merson,
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2017). Additionally, officers must take the time to create a thorough and professional account of the scene
(Morris & Merson, 2017). Authorities must keep in mind that these are legal records that can and will be used in court and insurance investigations
(Morris & Merson, 2017). These forms will be reviewed, and mistakes will have serious implications
(Morris & Merson, 2017). Being legal documents, these reports face strict examination in courts, emphasizing the need for precision and completeness during their preparation. Besides serving immediate investigative purposes, the depth of these reports also helps inform broader policies aimed at reducing the overall effect of road crashes on public safety.
Misdemeanor summons and complaint papers are used for criminal charges that hold a penalty of up to a one-year jail sentence with the possibility of a fine if convicted (Morris & Merson, 2017). For misdemeanor or petty infractions, officers utilize the summons and complaint form (Morris & Merson, 2017). These forms provide concise yet comprehensive overviews of the events with legal implications and offer insights into broader trends in crime (Morris & Merson, 2017). Arguably, these forms are invaluable tools that aid in generating crime
data for trend analysis at a systemic level (Perritt Jr, 2020).
The narrative section on the back of the form is frequently labeled "Probable Cause Affidavit" (Morris & Merson, 2017). This section
of the summons and complaint form contains a chronological narrative of the officer's activity in responding to this occurrence, as well as the probable cause or elements of the crime that support
the arrest that he or she made (Morris & Merson, 2017). It tells about any activities the responding officer had during that period to support that arrest made at the scene (Morris & Merson, 2017). Therefore, these forms have double purposes—an immediate response to this case category's legal requirements and a contribution to the database for better understanding and
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more profound knowledge about patterns and crime trends within a given jurisdiction (Perritt Jr, 2020).
Felonies are criminal offenses that, if convicted, carry a sentence of one year or more in the state penal system (Morris & Merson, 2017). Felony crimes carry more severe penalties, which require detailed case reports. Felony crime reports are, by definition, the most lengthy and comprehensive case reports that a law enforcement official will need to complete (Morris & Merson, 2017). These reports must be accurate, detailed, and include all relevant facts about the situation Morris & Merson, 2017). These reports, called face sheets are essential for keeping criminal data for the department's records (Perritt Jr, 2020). Since felony offenses are serious, it is necessary to pay extra attention to this document, which has a unique form for recording (Perritt Jr, 2020). Besides its immediate legal relevance, the narrative segment of the report serves as a valuable tool (Morris & Merson, 2017). This part, usually referred to as a "Probable Cause affidavit," offers a sequential account of how the handling officer got involved with the event, giving detailed information about the beginning and stages of the process (Morris & Merson, 2017). The substantial impact of felony crimes requires that reporting is precise (Morris & Merson, 2017). These reports are pivotal for court deliberations and contribute significantly to broader analytical undertakings, helping law enforcement agencies understand, address, and prevent felonious activities in their jurisdictions (Perritt Jr, 2020).
Cubbage (2023) identified the evolution of domestic violence recognition as a serious crime that has prompted the creation of unique forms for careful recording. These particular forms of domestic violence highlight the significance of accurate, detailed, and comprehensive documentation, especially in family contexts
(Cubbage, 2023). They are not just legal papers but also help achieve specific social goals. Government agencies support the public awareness
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campaign against domestic violence through the use of statistics from these forms that demonstrate how severe it is (Dheensa et al., 2023). Therefore, complete documentation in incidents like these becomes very significant (Dheensa et al., 2023). Informed intercessions on a complex understanding of domestic violence can be taken from these collected data and contribute to a proactive approach to how best to address and prevent cases of domestic violence within communities effectively (Cubbage, 2023).
Covering all types of reports discussed, the imperative use of precision in reporting is universal. The criminal justice system has far-reaching consequences for instances where due diligence is not given, leading to cutting corners or giving incomplete information
crime (Nemeth et al., 2003). These may prompt disciplinary measures, refusal by prosecutors to pursue charges, or adverse outcomes in court (Nemeth et al., 2003). Supervising officers, prosecutors, and other personnel within the criminal justice domain routinely scrutinize reports, making it necessary to pay attention to detail
(Morris & Merson, 2017). Paying more attention to this can result in a discreditable law enforcement approach and undermine the effectiveness of judicial processes
(Morris & Merson, 2017). These documents are multifaceted and play a key role in legal proceedings; thus, an unwavering commitment to precision must be observed
(Morris & Merson, 2017). Rather than being a formality for purposes of procedural correctness, any mistake made will subject the rest of the information to rigorous scrutiny through which justice will prevail by having full evidence from both sides, such that it provides not only complete but also valid data about crime (Nemeth et al., 2003).
This diverse range of reports is curated for law enforcement and targets other stakeholders like courts, legal practitioners, policymakers, and researchers who require accurate and comprehensive reports
(Morris & Merson, 2017). These institutions depend on detailed and
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complete reports for their decision-making process
(Martín-Fernández et al). As sources of vital information, these Reports can be beneficial in explaining crime patterns that enable policies to be formulated to maintain justice (Martín-Fernández et al., 2018; Useche et al., 2018; Dheensa et
al., 2023). Such reports act as channels of vital data that are essential in the immediate legal processes and shape general social responses to crime, thus fostering an environment whereby informed decisions are considered a central component of justice-seeking and public safety maintenance
(
Useche et al., 2018).
Law enforcement reports are the cornerstone of a complex criminal justice system. Traffic Crashes, Misdemeanor Crimes, Felony Crimes, and Domestic Violence Crimes have different reporting requirements, indicating how detailed documentation is essential in each case.
Therefore, stressing the importance of accuracy in documentation is more than just a procedure. However, it also considers the legal repercussions that can be faced and their potential impact on public security and appropriate policymaking. Law enforcement personnel must have in-depth knowledge of this type of report. This understanding facilitates adequate documentation and contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
In other words, conscientious delivery of reporting obligations comes out as a keystone that ensures proper system functioning with the highest values of accountability and transparency.
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References
Cubbage, A. A. (2023). Law Enforcement Officers and the Domestic Violence Advocacy Referral
Process.
Dheensa, S., McLindon, E., Spencer, C., Pereira, S., Shrestha, S., Emsley, E., & Gregory, A. (2023). Healthcare professionals’ own experiences of domestic violence and abuse: a meta-analysis of prevalence and systematic review of risk markers and consequences. Trauma, violence, & abuse,
24(3), 1282-1299.
Martín-Fernández, M., Gracia, E., & Lila, M. (2018). Assessing victim-blaming attitudes in cases of intimate partner violence against women: Development and validation of the VB-IPVAW scale. Psychosocial Intervention,
27(3), 133-143.
Morris, K., & Merson, M. (2017). Report writing for law enforcement and corrections professionals
. Pearson. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780133913347/epubcfi/
6/18[%3Bvnd.vst.idref%3DP70004996130000000000000000002D8]!/4
Perritt Jr, H. H. (2020).
Broken Ties: Private Criminal Complaints. Ala. CR & CLL Rev., 12, 149.
Useche, S. A., Gómez, V., Cendales, B., & Alonso, F. (2018). Working conditions, job strain, and traffic safety among three groups of public transport drivers. Safety and health at work, 9(4), 454-461.