Notebook and Mobile Device Procedures

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a police notebook?

To log evidence relating to incidents attended (correct)

To record personal thoughts and feelings

To make sketches for artistic purposes

To document interactions with non-official sources

Which of the following should NOT be included in a police notebook?

Statements made by accused persons under caution

Descriptions of personal experiences (correct)

Sketch plans of incidents

Witness statements

When should entries in a police notebook be made?

Only when required for court

At the end of the week

During weekly rest days

As soon as possible after the incident (correct)

What action is strictly prohibited regarding the use of the police notebook?

Transferring notes from other sources into the notebook Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an appropriate use for a police notebook?

Recording relevant information for criminal investigations Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be documented concerning duties in the notebook?

Details of tours of duty along with relevant activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct procedure for recording information on mobile devices?

Follow the same procedures as for notebooks Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a requirement when creating sketches for your notebook?

They must illustrate significant details relevant to incidents Signup and view all the answers

What was the first activity recorded on Friday, 24th January 2020?

Attended Classroom 2 for registration Signup and view all the answers

Who was the officer in charge during the human rights class on 24th January 2020?

Constable Walker Signup and view all the answers

At what time did the lunch break start on 24th January 2020?

1145 Signup and view all the answers

What task was assigned to PC Brown on Monday, 20th January 2020?

Uniformed foot patrol Signup and view all the answers

Which classroom was utilized for the identification session on 24th January 2020?

Classroom 2 Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration of the shift for the officer on duty at Brookbank Police Station on Monday, 20th January 2020?

0800 - 1600 hrs Signup and view all the answers

Who was the duty student officer present for registration on the following Monday, 27th January 2020?

PC Bright Signup and view all the answers

What time was the break scheduled on Friday, 24th January 2020?

1000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the time of the entry made by PC Thomson regarding Suzanne Smith?

1345 Signup and view all the answers

What charge was levied against Suzanne Smith by PC Thomson?

Theft Signup and view all the answers

What crucial detail was noted in PC Thomson's notebook?

Full details of the caution and charge Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Suzanne Smith born?

1995 Signup and view all the answers

Which power does Scots Criminal Law grant regarding notebooks?

Notebooks can be used for court evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for making entries in a police notebook?

Entries should be made contemporaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested aspect to include in a learning log?

How learned skills will impact daily role. Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'DE' likely indicate in the context provided?

Digital Evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should a reporting officer ensure is revealed to the PF via the SPR?

All relevant information, including details from other officers' notebooks Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to note detailed information in the police notebook?

To ensure accuracy in reports as time passes Signup and view all the answers

When is the proper time to consult your notebook in relation to attending court?

Before attending court to prepare your statements Signup and view all the answers

What must an officer do before referring to their notebook in court?

Request permission from the court’s presiding official Signup and view all the answers

Why might a witness not remember the salient points of an incident?

Due to the passage of time or other reasons Signup and view all the answers

What can the original notebook entry be compared against in court?

The typed version presented in court Signup and view all the answers

What type of details should an officer document in their notebook?

Demeanor of involved parties, signs of disturbance, and injuries Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if unsure about what they recorded?

Request to consult their notebook Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if relevant information is discovered in a notebook that has not been revealed to the Fiscal?

Present it as soon as possible to the Fiscal. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a permitted practice when making entries in a police notebook?

Writing between lines to add additional notes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of following the five notebook rules?

To prevent challenges to the accuracy of evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an acceptable method for correcting a mistake made in a notebook entry?

Put a single line through the mistake and initial it. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with supplementary notes made on paper in addition to the police issue notebook?

Lodge them as a production. Signup and view all the answers

Why should no blank lines be left in a notebook?

They may lead to potential alterations being made later. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would likely lead to challenges regarding evidence accuracy in court?

Not following the five notebook rules. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if entries in a notebook do not comply with established rules?

They may be considered invalid in court. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rules for Police Notebooks

Police notebooks are strictly for recording matters arising during duty; no other purposes allowed.
Essential to document all tours of duty, weekly rest days, and holidays.
Entries must include:
- Types of duties engaged in.
- Witness statements.
- Statements from accused individuals under caution.
- Sketches or diagrams related to incidents (e.g., traffic crashes, crime scenes).
- Relevant information for criminal investigations.

Importance of Accurate Record Keeping

The notebook serves as a log of evidence and aids in report compilation.
Notes should be made immediately or shortly after an incident to ensure accuracy.
Never copy notes into the notebook; original entries must be recorded directly.

Handling Additional Notes

Any notes made outside the official notebook must be submitted as a production item.

Notebook Entry Integrity

Evidence may be challenged in court; proper notebook practices reduce challenge risks.
Rules for maintaining notebook integrity include:
- No erasures or obliterations allowed.
- No torn or damaged pages.
- No blank lines.
- No overwriting.
- Corrections must be made between lines without new entries elsewhere.
To correct mistakes, draw a single line through the error and initial it.

Reporting and Communication

Reporting officers must include all relevant information in the Standard Prosecution Report (SPR).
Essential details include responses to cautions and observations of individuals involved.

Using Notebooks in Court

Review your notebook prior to court to refresh memories.
Request permission from the presiding official before referencing the notebook during court proceedings.
Witness statements should align with notebook entries to ensure consistency.

Example of Notebook Entries

Include specific dates and times, detailing all actions taken, including calls and charges filed against suspects.
Continuous documentation is vital for chronological clarity.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding notebook guidelines supports day-to-day policing tasks and improves evidential integrity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz addresses the procedures for recording information in used notebooks and mobile devices. It provides guidance on storage and management to ensure compliance with official standards. Perfect for those looking to understand handling protocols for official documentation.