Technical English 1 and 2: Report Writing

Report Writing Overview

• A report is a detailed account based on observation or inquiry, often documenting events or situations.
• It serves as an organized communication tool that enables expression of thoughts and acquisition of information.

Types of Reports

• Formal Reports: Carefully structured, objective, detailed, and written without personal pronouns.
• Informal Reports: Short messages using casual language.
• Short Reports: Typically two pages, can be referred to as memoranda.
• Long Reports: Extensive studies providing in-depth analysis, often thirty pages or more.

Investigative Reporting Definition

• Objective documentation of an investigator's findings, crucial for record-keeping.
• Provides information relevant to investigations, submitted to superiors.

Goals of Investigative Reports

• Accurate descriptions of events and incidents.
• Clear and concise content understandable to decision-makers.
• Content must be admissible and credible in legal contexts.
• Avoid opinions or ambiguous information.
• Sufficient information supporting factual conclusions.
• Timeliness in report completion and presentation.

Requisites of a Good Investigation Report

• Accuracy: True representation of facts.
• Completeness: Answering the essential questions (who, what, when, where, why, how).
• Brevity: Omission of irrelevant materials.
• Fairness: Representation of facts as they are found.
• Form and Style: Easy-to-read arrangement of materials.
• Clarity: Simple and direct language.
• Specificity: Use of precise words for vivid understanding.
• Timeliness: Prompt completion of the report.

Steps in Investigative Report Writing

• G: Gather the facts.
• R: Record the facts.
• O: Organize the facts.
• W: Write the report.
• E: Evaluate through editing and proofreading.

Police Report Function

• A police report documents facts discovered during criminal investigations; serves as a permanent record for future references.

Uses of Police Reports

• Identification of Criminals: Aid in identifying and prosecuting criminals by serving as foundational documents.
• Investigative Record: Supports legal processes by documenting all investigations.
• Court Preparation: Assists officers in recalling details for testimony during court proceedings.
• Civil Liability Assessment: Important for managing risks and insurance considerations.

Report Writing Overview

• A report is a detailed account based on observation or inquiry, often documenting events or situations.
• It serves as an organized communication tool that enables expression of thoughts and acquisition of information.

Types of Reports

• Formal Reports: Carefully structured, objective, detailed, and written without personal pronouns.
• Informal Reports: Short messages using casual language.
• Short Reports: Typically two pages, can be referred to as memoranda.
• Long Reports: Extensive studies providing in-depth analysis, often thirty pages or more.

Investigative Reporting Definition

• Objective documentation of an investigator's findings, crucial for record-keeping.
• Provides information relevant to investigations, submitted to superiors.

Goals of Investigative Reports

• Accurate descriptions of events and incidents.
• Clear and concise content understandable to decision-makers.
• Content must be admissible and credible in legal contexts.
• Avoid opinions or ambiguous information.
• Sufficient information supporting factual conclusions.
• Timeliness in report completion and presentation.

Requisites of a Good Investigation Report

• Accuracy: True representation of facts.
• Completeness: Answering the essential questions (who, what, when, where, why, how).
• Brevity: Omission of irrelevant materials.
• Fairness: Representation of facts as they are found.
• Form and Style: Easy-to-read arrangement of materials.
• Clarity: Simple and direct language.
• Specificity: Use of precise words for vivid understanding.
• Timeliness: Prompt completion of the report.

Steps in Investigative Report Writing

• G: Gather the facts.
• R: Record the facts.
• O: Organize the facts.
• W: Write the report.
• E: Evaluate through editing and proofreading.

Police Report Function

• A police report documents facts discovered during criminal investigations; serves as a permanent record for future references.

Uses of Police Reports

• Identification of Criminals: Aid in identifying and prosecuting criminals by serving as foundational documents.
• Investigative Record: Supports legal processes by documenting all investigations.
• Court Preparation: Assists officers in recalling details for testimony during court proceedings.
• Civil Liability Assessment: Important for managing risks and insurance considerations.