Essential Documentation Skills for Law Enforcement & Corrections

Description: The concept of this class is to present an all-inclusive system of report writing that is characterized by following a methodical process from arrival at the crime scene to presentation in court. Law enforcement agencies across the nation use various software and forms to assist their sworn personnel in collecting the facts and circumstances of a crime or situation. This class will take you through the report-writing process in three methodical phases. These phases are called the “crawl, walk, and run” method.  Each phase builds on the knowledge gained from the previous phase.

 Learning objectives:

• Enhance knowledge and understanding of the English language as it applies to completing law enforcement written reports.
• Recognize the various procedural issues in completing a law enforcement written report.
• Understanding the unique style, flow, and content of a law enforcement written report.
• Understanding how to recall your actions and compile them into an accurate case report.
• Understand the guidelines for the process of taking notes, creating an outline, and transferring these notes into a professional case report.
• Recognize that the narrative case report is an essential legal document that directly contributes to the prosecution of criminals.
• Understanding the basics of report writing.
• Understanding the importance of using proper English grammar skills in preparing criminal justice documents.
• Recognize how to prioritize your actions as the first officer on the scene.
• Identify and understand the three major tasks that need to be completed upon arriving at a crime scene.
• Understand the first responder’s role in processing a crime scene.
• Understand the steps and techniques in the interview process.
• Understand some of the different types of reports used by criminal justice agencies.
• Understanding how the use of your agency’s forms traps critical information that can assist you with your reports.

Goal: The goal of this class is to assist modern-day law enforcement officers in writing professional reports to prosecute criminals in court.