This technique specifies the types of information to be included in crime, incident, and arrest reports. Elements to be included, depending on the type of report, are additional offenses/charges; summary; additional information; criminal history; origin (how the incident came to the attention of the officer); and statements from complainants, witnesses, and suspects. Other elements include evidence, narcotics seized or recovered, property lost or recovered, officer's observations, related reports and cases, and followup required. Use of this technique can help officers do a better job in all aspects of their duties, reduce the need for followup or corrective action by supervisors, increase the effectiveness of investigators and prosecutors, and enhance the department's professional image. Instructions for using the technique with a department's preprinted report form can be contained in a training or policy and procedures manual. Detailed instructions should specify information to be provided in each section of the report, when a section should be used, and any applicable local standards. A one-page summary of the instructions can be carried in the officer's report case.