A general overview of the competence-based approach presents basic information regarding Uniform Crime Reporting classifications, the Hierarchy Rule, and the FBI Hotel Rule, along with specific elements normally required in the block portion of case reports. Various writing styles and their applicability to the police reporting process are examined, along with functional organization of the case report. The final section focuses on the outline approach to narrative reporting. Reporting requirements of Part I offenses are presented, along with the varied information required for each offense. The competence-based approach provides a common language to bridge jurisdictional differences, allows immediate retrieval of factual information in court, assists in maintaining direction in long-term investigations, and facilitates investigative team assignments. It also enables patrol officers to use their investigative abilities to the fullest and to function as part of the investigative team (including the followup investigator and the prosecutor). A comprehensive study guide, practice and review exercises, and an index are supplied.