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Report Writing - Key to Convictions

NCJ Number
90662
Author(s)
I Newlan
Date Published
1981
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using the example of a woman assaulted by a burglar in her house, this film explains the techniques of writing reports of preliminary investigations. An instructor's guide accompanies the film.
Abstract
The film is divided into two segments: the basic preliminary investigation and an overview of the reports that follow the investigation. The crime committed was selected to demonstrate the requirements for investigating and reporting both a crime against property and a crime against a person. Techniques for writing a clear, concise report are delineated. Among the recommendations given for comprehensive preliminary reports are to give each event its own paragraph; to list victims' and witnesses' statements first, establishing the corpus if possible, and then the officers' observations; and to distinguish between facts and opinions. Every report should have two sections. The heading contains basic information, while the narrative presents supplemental information.

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