Report Writing

I don’t know how many times I’ve been told, “The biggest problem we face in law enforcement today is report writing.” Officers, deputies, and agents struggle everyday trying to please their supervisors. Prosecuting attorneys and investigators struggle everyday trying to get criminal filings and convictions. Police executives and risk managers struggle everyday with litigation that may have been prevented or mitigated by better reports and preliminary investigations.

Here are the “Five Building Blocks” to writing better reports that are the basis for our report writing training:

Communication Skills & Interviewing

Discover how to communicate with victims, witnesses, and suspects to get the information you need. Learn to use the “Three Step Interview Process”.

Note Taking

Notes are the basis for writing reports and provide a greater degree of accuracy. Use "Scratch Outlining" to improve your note taking.

Clear & Concise Style

Learn to write in the active voice, how to use modifiers, and avoid deadwood words.

Grammar & Punctuation

Learn the simple rules of grammar and punctuation, taught for cops and not English majors.

Investigation Checklists

Use checklists for probable cause, search & seizure, and specific crimes.

In a typical one-day seminar, all Five Building Blocks are thoroughly covered. Additional training days provide extensive practical application which reinforces the classroom work.

What can Davis & Associates do to help agencies?

Here are some of the areas where, working with staff, we can help:

• Internal review of policy, procedures, training, and evaluation of sample reports
• External review talking to prosecution & defense attorneys and risk managers
• Evaluation of the skill levels of supervisors, training officers, and line staff; including field observations
• Develop specific training for supervisors, training officers, and line staff; including methods to sustain the program
• Develop leadership and mentoring skills as necessary to ensure successful implementation
• Expert testimony, if necessary, based on review of individual employee performance