Pocketbook & EAB’s Flashcards
What is an ‘original’ note?
You must keep all of your notes, especially ‘original notes’. An original note can take many forms. If your first note is on the back of a receipt you dug out of your pocket, then this is your original note and it’s crucial that you keep it for later reference.
All notes must be comprehensive, accurate and credible, and you should always use a black pen as the information will be clearer when photocopied.
What information should you record in your pocketbook?
You should use your Pocketbook to record the following information:
- Verbal Warnings.
- Information / intelligence.
- Property (lost or found).
- Suspected / wanted / missing person details, and suspected - Stolen motor vehicles.
- Computer PNC checks.
- Crime report (CRIS) details.
- Any other notes relating to your duty.
What details should you write in your pocketbook from your briefing?
Posting.
Call sign.
Tasking(s).
Intelligence.
What are other common details you should note in your pocketbook?
- CAD number (Incident number allocated to each call).
- Time of arrival on scene (T.O.A).
- Nature of incident (Domestic assault, Public Order).
- Time and location of incident.
- Contact details of victim(s), informant(s), witnesss(es) and suspect(s).
- Description of suspect(s).
- Details of property stolen or damaged.
- Details of injuries.
- Information for crime reports (CRIS).
What does NO ELBOWS stand for?
No:
Erasures
Leaves torn out
Blank spaces
Overwriting
Writing between lines
Statements in indirect speech (always direct)
Which details should be written in CAPS in your pocketbook?
Surnames, place names and dates
How should time be noted in your pockebook?
Times should be written using the 24 hour clock, so as to remove any ambiguity.
‘2213 hours’, not ’10:13pm’.
Always use past tense
What contact details should you need to take?
Full names.
Dates of birth.
Addresses (including postcode).
Phone numbers.
Email addresses.
What is your shoulder number and warrant number?
p264041
2735CE
What is your pocketbook signature?
DC 2735CE Benjamin Sammons
or
Benjamin Sammons DC 2735CE
What is your pocketbook signature?
DC 2735CE Benjamin Sammons
or
Benjamin Sammons DC 2735CE
What information do you record in EABs?
- Arrests.
- Offenders reported for process – an alternate way of putting the suspect before the court without arresting them and taking them through custody.
- Street Identification procedures – when identifying a suspect from a description given by the witness.
- Non crime incidents – for example, civil disputes and illness in the street.
- Any incidents that you feel should be recorded in more detail than a Pocketbook entry would provide.
What is your exhibit number?
BDS/1
What does STAIRS stand for? and what is it used for?
The mnemonic STAIRS can help you remember what to include in your notes:
Statements in direct speech.
Times of arrival and departure from scene.
Actions taken – e.g. first aid, called LAS, exchanged names and addresses.
Information given to interested parties, for example the local authorities to clear debris, or informing relatives of a death.
Referrals, for example complainants to magistrates’ courts, solicitors, commissions, etc.
Supervisor informed (name and time).
How should ‘Notes at scene’ be written in your EAB?
“Such a record should be made at the time of arrest unless impracticable to do.”
Make sure you apply the following:
- Notes at scene should be written in note form, not longhand.
- Direct speech, personal information and place names must always be written in full.
- Any direct speech you record in your notes should be written in the narrative section.
