The way police reports are written reflects upon the officers and their agency and directly effects the prosecution of cases. Good reports result in better prosecution.
There are significant considerations in the laying of proper foundations for a variety of exhibits. To perform as an effective witness should be important to all officers.
Topics:
• Organized thoughts (categorical and time line “clusters” or “blocks”)
• Importance of notes, videos, dispatch, etc.
• Writing factually
• How to be concrete (less abstract)
• Using everyday language (descriptive words vs. police jargon)
• Using first person simple sentences (the “active voice”)
• Elements of the offense (a “must”)
• Complete/necessary listings and information
• Taking meaningful witness statements
• Putting it all together – coordination through documentation (the arresting, investigating, prosecuting team)
• Distractions and differences in testifying in different types of court hearings
• Hearsay and exceptions
• Laying foundations for admission (tapes, guns, photos, drugs, etc.)
• Chain of custody
• Proper preparation and pre-trial conferences
• Objections (how to react)
• Special issues (direct and cross examination)
• Effective State’s witness pointers