15 Jan DQ1 RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 GRAMMAR & COMPOSITION – REPORT WRITING

A well-written report is clear and concise. Explain and discuss how proper grammar and composition facilitates good report writing.

DQ2 POOR GRAMMAR & SENTENCE STRUCTURE

Evaluate the effects of poor grammar, syntax and sentence structure within the following scenarios: 1) the supervisor who reviews the report, 2) the detective conducting a follow-up investigation based on the report, 3) the state’s attorney reviewing the report for purposes of charging a suspect or presenting the case at trial, 4) a defense attorney reviewing the report in the defense of his client, and 5) a judge or jury listening to the officer’s testimony at trial.

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 QUALITIES OF A GOOD REPORT

What are the qualities of a good police report? Examine the necessity for good report writing through the purpose and significance of reports within the whole criminal justice system and outside of the system. Be specific.

DQ2 PROBABLE CAUSE

What is probable cause? Discuss ways in which a police officer can establish probable cause. How can probable cause be best articulated in reports? What are the ramifications of failing to justify probable cause in reports?

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 THE POLICE INVESTIGATOR

What is the role of the first responding officer to any crime scene? How important is it that this officer is an effective note taker? What other responsibilities besides gathering information does the first responding officer have?

DQ2 FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT

What role do the police play in the investigation of fatal motor vehicle accidents? When it is determined that an accident has been caused by a driver who has violated the law, what courses of action do the police take? What types of reports are completed here?

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 INTERVIEWING

What are different types of interviews that police officers conduct? Is an interview with a victim or eyewitness to a crime the same as an interview with a suspect of a crime? Is a field interview of that suspect the same as an interview at police headquarters?

DQ2 REPORT WRITING SUPERVISION

Why is there a need for supervisors to review police reports? Should departmental policy dictate who is responsible for report writing review and approval? If errors or omissions are found, can changes be made to the original report that was submitted by the initial reporting officer?

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1THE FOURTH AMENDMENT

Discuss the Exclusionary Rule. Evidence that is obtained by the police using methods not within the confines of the Fourth Amendment shall be excluded from a criminal proceeding. What impact does this rule have on police? Does it influence the service of search warrants?

DQ2 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Evaluate the impact of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) on police investigations. How does the police officer document the processes necessary to show that a person willingly has waived their rights during a custodial interrogation?

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 DATA COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Conduct an Internet search of data communications technologies available to law enforcement agencies. Present and discuss the findings resulting from that search. Is there one type of technology that stands out as the most important or most effective?

DQ2 DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Assume you are the chief of police of a medium-sized police department who is contemplating a new or upgraded data communication system for your department. Discuss what system you think is best suited for your department and explain your reasons.

JADM250 Police Report Writing

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS – RMS

What is the purpose of a RMS? What capabilities should a RMS provide to the individual user and the law enforcement agency as a whole? Why?

DQ2 INTERFACING AUDIENCE

Why is it necessary that an RMS not “stand alone” but, rather interface with a variety of local, regional, state and federal systems? Given this availability of information to a vast audience, comment on the importance of accurate and complete report writing.