Chapter 6 Flashcards
Field notes are the shorthand written record made by a police officer from the time she or he arrives at the scene until the assignment is completed. Four reasons why field notes are important: (4)
1) more reliable that the officer’s memory
2) the primary information source for preparing the incident report
3) may reduce the need to re-contact the parties involved
4) can be used to defend the integrity of the report
A well-prepared incident report based on a thorough investigation of an offense can promote:
The rapid apprehension of the suspect, thus preventing further crimes and making the recovery of the property more likely
There are two indispensable elements of reports:
1) accuracy
2) clear communication of the meaning that the writer intended
What is the most critical part of an incident report?
The narrative
Ordinarily, supplemental, or follow-up, reports should be written no less frequently then every ten days, and the continuance of a particular investigation beyond ________ days should require supervisory approval to ensure proper use of an investigator’s time.
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