Technical English 1 and 2 Investigative Report Writing PDF

TECHNICAL ENGLISH 1 AND 2 (INVESTIGATIVE REPORT WRITING AND PRESENTATION, LEGAL FORMS) What is Report Writing? A Report is a detailed account of an event, situation, etc., usually based on observation or inquiry (PNP, 2014). It is a specific form of writing that is organized around concisely ident...

TECHNICAL ENGLISH 1 AND 2 (INVESTIGATIVE REPORT WRITING AND PRESENTATION, LEGAL FORMS) What is Report Writing? A Report is a detailed account of an event, situation, etc., usually based on observation or inquiry (PNP, 2014). It is a specific form of writing that is organized around concisely identifying and examining issues, events, or findings that have happened in a physical sense (Massey University, 2010). **Report Writing** is a communication that lends itself to a useful tool for people in a free society to express their thoughts and ideas and to obtain what they need or want (PNP, 2014). **Common Types of Report** **Formal or Informal Reports-** are carefully structured; they stress objectivity and organization, contain much detail, and are written in a style that tends to eliminate such elements as personal pronouns. Informal reports are usually short messages with natural, casual use of language. **Short or Long Reports** - A two-page report or sometimes referred to as a memorandum is short, and a thirty-page report is absolutely long. A long report is a major study that provides an in-depth view of the problem or idea. What is Investigative Reporting? Investigative Reporting is an objective statement of the investigator\'s findings. It is an oficial record of information relevant to the investigation which the investigator submits to his/her superior (PNP, 2014). Appropriate Investigative Report Writing Regardless of whether the investigation will proceed into a court of law, all investigative reports should be structured to communicate relevant and factual information. At a minimum, author/s should ensure that the following goals ars consistently applied to every type of report that is being presented (Sachowski, 2016 - Report contains an accurate description of all event and incident details. - Content is clear, concise, and understandable to relevant decision-makers, - Content is deemed admissible and credible in a court of law, - Content not portray opinions or information that is open to misinterpretation, - Report contains sufficient information to establish factual relevance of - conclusions, and - Report is completed and presented in a timely manner. Requisites of a Good Investigation Report A good investigation report contains the following requisites (PNP 2014): 1\. Accuracy- The report should be a true representation of the facts to the best of the investigators ability. 2\. Completeness The question of \"when, who, what, where, why and how?\" should be answered. 3\. Brevity - Irrelevant or unnecessary m necessary materials should be omitted. 4\. Fairness - The investigator: should take the facts as he finds them. 5\. Form and Style - The arrangement of the materials presented should be in a manner which will make the report easy to read. 6\. Clarity - The language and format of a report are simple and to the point. 7\. Specific - Use of specific words that bring the reader close to firsthand experience. 8\. Timeliness - Completion of a report promptiy. Five Basic Steps in Investigative Report Writing In the Philippine National Police, they have five basic steps in investigative report writing to be followed under the acronym: G- Gather the facts R- Record the facts O-Organize the facts W-Write the report E- Evaluate the report by editing and proofreading What is a Police Report? A police report is an exact narration of facts that are discovered during a criminal investigation and serves as a permanent written record for future reference. It is a documentation made by a police officer or law enforcement personnel which includes the important details and events about an incident (Police Reports: Definition & Examples, 2020). Use of Police Report Police reports have many different uses, both within the criminal justice system and beyond. This includes but not limited to the following (Sacramento State Police Department, 2014): 1\. ldentification of Criminals - Police reports assist with the identification, apprehensionandprosecution ofcriminalsby serving asa source document for fling criminal complaints, by providing a record of all investigations, and providing a basis for additional follow up investigations (Sacramento State Police Department, 2014). 2\. Investigative Record - Police reports aid prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other law enforcement agencies by providing records of all investigations and serving as souree documents for eriminal prosecution, as well as documenting agency actions (Sacramento State Police Department, 2014). 3\. Court Preparation - Police reports assist officers prior to or during court appearances by refreshing the officer\'s memory before testifying, or preparing to provide hearsay testimony at preliminary hearings (Sacramento State Police Department, 2014). 4\. CivilLiability Assessment- -Police reports are essential for risk managers, insurance companies, , and civillitigation attorneys for Use in determining potential civil liability by documenting events such as accidents or injuries on city, county, or private property, workman\'s compensation type injuries, as \"well as to presenting justification for an officer\'s behavior or actions. in a civil complaint or lawsuit against the officer (Sacramento State Police Department, 2014). The 5Ws and 1 H of a Police Report 1 Who? - It is a question that will contain the facts relating to any person who is directly or indirectly associated with the incident. Here will show up the names that include within the scope of the news that is discussed. 2\. What?-Itis a question that will answer what happened and will encourage reporters to gather facts related to the things done by the offender and the victim in an incident. 3\. Why? - lt will answer the background or. the cause of the incident. Although rare, why can be used to open a news or the lead story. 4\. Where? - It is regarding the scene. It can be written in a detailed scene or just outline only. Typically, when the news comes from a famous place, then the writing is not too detailed. 5\. When? - It concerns the time of the incident. Time stamps are not limited to date, but can be written days, hours, even minutes when an incident takes place. 6\. how?-It will provide facts about the incident. It could tell the atmosphere even when the flow of events reported, is an ongoing incident. General Content of Police Report The following general content elements are fundamental to an effective report, however, it should be noted that in some crimes or incidents, a specific element may not be applicable. 1\. Initial Information - It establishes how the officer became involved with the specific incident and additional background information. It also describes the officer\'s immediate observations and any actions they took upon arrival at the scene. 2\. Identification of the Crime or Incident - Always include the facts that are necessary to show that the specific crime or incident has taken place. The report should include the common name of the crime, the statutory reference number and the required elements necessary for the crime to be complete. ldentification of the Involved Parties - Regardless of the type of report, the report should always identify the reporting persons, victims, witnesses and suspects, if known. Always include full names, address, home, work and cellular telephone numbers. Include alternate contact information, such as work or school addresses, email addresses, and their role in-the incident. 4\. Victim/ Witness/ Suspect Statements - Summary statements of all involved parties should be taken and direct quotes used, where necessary. Statements should always include the details of the events, from their own perspective. Crime Scene Specifics/Deseription - Crime scene specifcs are necessary to accurately re-create the scene and events of the crime. Include photographs, where possible, and include the locations of physical evidence prior to collection. 6\. Property Information - Property information should include the color, make, model, serial number, approximate value, and full descriptions where possible. 7\. 0fficer Actions/Observations - Include descriptions and observations of all actions related to the incident. If multiple officers responded to a c incident, each officer involved should include a supplement that details their own actions at the incident or crime, and the supplement should be submitted for inclusion with the master report. All reports, whether a master report or supplemental report, should be written from the perspective of the writing officer, and detail their own personal actions or observations. Main Classifications of Police Reports The many purposes served by police reports and our system of administrative independence has given rise to a number and variety of reports. But in broad terms and in a rather elementary way, police reports are classified into two (2) groups: 1\. Basic or Informal Report- Most police reports may be placed in this category. This account deals with the ordinary, miscellaneous, usual, memorandum, letter, or form accomplished by any member of a unit, section bureau or division within a department in accordance with prescribed regulation. Usually, this report contains the following items: - The heading or the) letterhead of the organization, office or section where - the writer is assigned. - The person or ofice t to whom it is addressed l or subrmitted. - The text proper. - The name of the writer or the source of the report. 2\. Investigative or formal report - This covers an exact and exhaustive narration of facts. It suggests a full-dress treatment, including cover, title page, letter of transmittal, summary sheet, text, appendixes, and l perhaps an index and bibliography. Cassification of Police Reports according to Purpose 1\. Ferformance Report which contains information as to the status of an activity/ies or operation. 2\. Fact-Finding Report which involves the gathering and presentation cata in logical order, without an attempt to draw conclusions. 3\. Technical Report which represents data on a specialized subject. 4\. Problem Solution Report which analyzes the thought process that lies behind the solution of a particular problem. Categories of Police Reports 1\. Operational Reports include those relating to the reporting of pollce investigation, arrests, identification of persons, and a mass of miscellaneous reports necessary to the conduct of routine police operations. 2\. Internal Business Reports relate to the reporting necessary to the management of the agency and include financial reports, personnel reports, purchase reports, equipment reports, property maintenance Teports and general correspondence. 3\. Technical Reports present data on any specialized subject but usuałly relate to completed I staff work and add to the: specific knowledge necessary to proper functioning of police 1 management. 4\. Summary Information Report furnishes intelligence information necessary to the solution of crime, accident, and police administrative problems. The Police Report Format A police report is a necessity in the practice of law enforcement. Police reports Are used by every law enforcement to help pass information around in an orderly and professional manner. Report templates can help a Law enforcer pass around information in general. Basic Types of Police Report The Investigator-On-Case shall submit the following: - Spot Report within 24 hrs to HHQ; - Progress Report; - After Operation Report; - Final Report after the case is filed before the prosecutor\'s office/court; - and - Accomplishment Report. Spot Report It is an immediate initial investigative or incident report addressed to Higher Headquarters pertaining to the commission of the crime, occurrence of natural C man-made disaster or unusual incidents involving loss of lives and damage to properties (PNP, 2014). Progress Report lt is an accounting of the actions or series of actions undertaken in relation to an ongoing investigation of a case (PNP, 2014). After Operation Report It is a report that may be rendered after any successful police operation that eads to the arrest of any member or some members of a syndicated crime group PNP, 2014). Final Report It is a thorough, in-depth and lengthy account regarding an investigation into an incident or case as mandated by higher authorities to establish a determination of the truth and/or how far it could be determined based on the facts and circumstances with the appropriate recommendation for the proper course/s of action/s to be made. Investigation Report it is a document that details the findings of an investigation as soon as a formal complaint is filed or an incident Occurs. This is where investigators record the issues of the matter, analyze the evidence, and formulate a conclusion. It is impartial and based on evidence, not on the opinions of an investigator or the parties involved (safetyculture.com,). This form is similar to the memorandum form except that the text or body should include the following parts: AUTHORITY, MATTERS INVESTIGATED FACTS OF THE CASE, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS, and RECOMMENDATION Parts are capitalized, and followed by a colon. All paragraphs composing the text oť the report are numbered consecutively in Arabic numnerals. Situation Report The Situation Report (SITREP) is a form of status reporting that provides decision-makers and readers a quíck understanding of the current situation. It provides a clear, concise understanding of the situation-focusing on meaning or context, in addition to the facts. It contains the following information (The Persimmon Group, 2021): - The Situation to date (what has happened) -A brief summary y of \"startup details\" - date, place, time, who -Summary of overall situation to date -Ensure old information is deleted - Actions to date (what has been done) \- Brief reporting of actions completed to date \- Table format may be used for repeat actions and/ or progressive totals or if similar are given e.g. destructions statistics, number of properties visited - Actions to be completed (what will be done) \- Brief reporting of scheduled/planned actions - typically for the period covered by the SITREP \- As mentioned above, a table may be used for repeat actions \- Where the operation expects to be by the next SITREP - Issue(s) \- Present brief description of issue(s) that are known/ reasonably expected to arise before the next SITREP iissued e.g. a shortage of a given resource, a significant OH&S issue \- Acknowledgment of significant achievements, failures etc. can be given here. Special Repórt A Special Report is prepared and presented not as a matter of routine. This is prepared on the basis of some inquiry or investigation either by a single individual or by a body or a committee or a sub committee or a commission specially formed and entrusted with the duty. It is in many cases of confidential type and contains apart from facts and information, some recommendations (Apoorva, n.d.). What is a Police Blotter? A Police Blotter is a record of daily events occurring within the territory/ jurisdiction of a given police unit orcommand. It containsmaterial details concerning the event for legal and statistical purposes. This police blotter is an informational record book that is utilized for evidentiary or referral purposes (PNP, 2014). Two Types of Police Blotter Each PNP operating unit/station shall maintain two separate police blotters: 1\. Blue Blotter- It contains the daily registry of all crime incident reports, official summaries of arrest, and other significant events reported in a Police Station/Unit; and 2\. Pink Blotter- It contains the daily registry of all crime incident reports involving Violence Against Women and Children, Trafficking in Person, and other Gender-Based Violence such as those provided for in PNP policies and Philippine laws. Importance of the Police Blotter Here are some of the importance of Police blotter (PNP, 2014): 1\. The Police Blotter entry reports serve as a permanent record of incidents, events, problems, and occurrences: 2\. a Police Blotter is used to keep informed of activities within the police jurisdiction; 3\. A Police Blotter is also used to compile statistical information, identify problems in the community, or identify police training needs; and 4\. A Police Blotter is needed to facilitate investigations, prepare court cases, or defend cases in court. Contents and Details of a Police Blotter The Police blotter is a record book bound with hard covers and shall be 12 inches (12\") by 16 inches (16\") in size. The front cover of a police blotter shall contains the name or designation of the police force and particular police district/station, together with the designation of the specific police unit or sub-station, the volume or book number, the series number and the period covered (PNP, 2014). Incident Report An incident report is a formal document that details the facts related to an incident (safeopedia.com, 2021). It is similar to Police Reports, an Incident Report is a victim\'s statement regarding a crime (Fullbright, 2014). Incident Report Content The entry in the Police Blotter should answer the following cardinal elements of a police report: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How and the disposition of the case. In answering the 5 Ws and 1 H and the case disposition, all such material details about the event, including the names of the suspects, the victim, the witnesses, if any, the nature of the action or offense, the possible motive, the place, the date and time of occurrence and significant circumstances that aggravate or mitigate the event or the crime should be entered along with the identity of the officer to whom the case is assigned (officer In-case) and the status of the case (PNP, 2021). Incident Record Form. An entry of record in the Police Blotter shall not be done directly to the Police Blotter book. The facts and information of a blotter entry shall at first be recorded in the Incident Record Form or IRF. Incident Entered in the Police Blotter As a general rule, all crime incidents must be recorded in the official police blotter (PNP, 2021). The following incidents or transactions, among others, are entered in the police blotter (PNP, 2014): 1\. Violations of laws and ordinances reported and/or discovered; 2\. All calls in which any member of the PNP is dispatched and/or takes official action; 3\. All fire alarms, reports and information received by the stations; 4\. Movement of prisoners with corresponding notations on the authority for such movements; 5\. Cases of missing and/or found persons, animals and property; 6\. Vehicular and other types of accidents which require police action; 7\. All personal injuries, bodies found, and suicides; 8\. Damage to property; 9\. All cases in which a police member is involved: 10\. All arrest and returns made; and 11\. Miscellaneous cases, general and special orders, violations of rules and regulation, and any other reportable incident that the sub-station/station commander or higher authority desires to be recorded. Procedures on Recording Incident Report in the Police Blotter The following are the procedures on recording incident report in the Police Blotter (PNP, 2014): 1\. Recording of the Crime Incident from the IRF to the Police Blotter. After the transaction with the Reporting Person has been concluded, the crime incident report recorded in the IRF, shall be transcribed and entered into the Police Blotter by the Desk Officer of the police station. For those police stations equipped with the Crime Incident Reporting System, popularly known as the e-Blotter, the designated Crime Registrar will likewise enter the record into the System (PNP,2014). 2\. Blotter Procedure in a Walk-in Complainant/Reportee Concerning Womens and Children Concerned Desk (WCPD) (PNP, 2014): Upon arrival of a walk-in complainant at the police station, the Desk Officer (DO) will courteously greet the complainant/reportee and will ask the same of the nature of his/her complaint. The DO will make an assessment of the complaint/report out of the narration given by the complainant/reportee. If the complaint falls under WCPD concern, the DO will assist the victim/ complainant directly to the duty investigator of WCPD for proper disposition. The WCPD investigator will assist the victim/ complainant in accomplishing the Investigation Record Form (1RF) thoroughly and will record it in the separate blotter book of WCPD. After accomplishing the IRF, the WCPD investigator will issue Incident Record Transaction Receipt (IRTR) to the victim/ complainant and will proceed to the investigation. The IRF will be submitted to the personnel in- charge of the Station Investigation Section (SIS) for Crime Incident Reporting System (CIRS). 3\. Blotter Procedure of Crime Incident if the Suspect is Arrested (PNP, 2034): - Upon arrival of the arresting officers, arrested suspect/s and complainant/s to the police station, the DO will assess the nature of complaint or what crime/infraction of the law the arrested suspect committed and if there is need for follow-up of the case. - In case there is no need for follow\'up, the DO will refer the arrested suspect/s to the fingerprint technicians for booking procedure. - The DO will issue IRTR to the victim/complaimant. The DO will refer the case to the duty investigator for investigation including evidence or pieces of evidence for proper disposition. - The IRF will be forwarded Ito the SIS for CIRS. 4\. Blotter Procedure for Crime Incident and Emergency Cases (PNP, 2014): The DO will ask for the initial data of incident/s from the duty Station Tactical Operation Center (SToC) for example: fire, dragnet, arrival of VIPs etc. and the initial data will be logged in the blotter book. The information will be relayed to the COP, Officer of the day or Chief of Office concerned and other officers regarding the incident/event. If necessary, the DO will officially dispatch the concerned police personnel such as Special Reaction Unit (SRU)/SWAT, Police Community Precint (PCP) personnel, Follow-up Operatives, investigators etc. logged in the blotter book to respond to a particular police assistance or crime scene. The DO will record all details of the incident that transpired within the area of responsibility of the police station for future reference. What are Legal Forms? Legal Forms are binding written documents that serve as means for putting into effect legal proceedings, court orders and notices. They are indispensable and are often encountered in the practice of law enforcement (Paculanang and Tudara, 2020). It is a prototype of an instrument to be employed in a legal transaction or a judicial proceeding that includes the primary essential matters, the appropriate technical phrases or terms, and any additional material required to render it officially accurate, arranged in suitable and systematic order, and conducive to adaptation to the circumstances of the particular case (legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com, n.d.). Coverage of Legal Form According to Suarez (2019), the term \"Legal Forms\" covers the study of: 1\. Business Forms- the forms used in conveyancing, or of the forms of deeds, instruments or documents creating, transferring, modifying or limiting rights to real as well as personal properties, and other forms related to business contracts or transactions. 2\. Judicial Forms- the forms which pertain to, diferent kinds of pleadings, applications, petitions, affidavits, motions and the like. What is a Contract? Contract is a meeting of minds between two persons whereby one binds himself. with respect to the other, to give something or to render some service (New Civil Code, Article 1305). What is Notarization? Notarization or Notarial acts refers to any act that a notary public is empowered to perform (Rules on Notarial 1 Practice of 2004). Notary is a public official whose duty is to attest the genuineness of any deed or writing in order to render them available as evidence of the facts that it contains (Suarez, 2019). Powers of Notary Public According to the Rule IV, Section l of the Rules on Notarial Practice of 2004. the powers of notary public are the following: 1\. A notary public is empowered to perform the following notarial acts: acknowledgments; oaths and affirmations; Jurats; signature witnessings; copy certifications; and any other act authorized by the Rules on Notarial Practice of 2004 2\. A notary public is authorized to certify the affixing of a signature by thumb or other mark on an instrument or document presented for notarization if: the thumb or other mark is affixed in the presence of the notary public and of two (2) disinterested and unaffected witnesses to the instrument or document; both witnesses sign their own names in addition to the thumb or other mark: the notary public writes below the thumb or other mark: \"Thumb or Other Mark affixed by (name of signatory by mark) in the presence of (names and addresses of witnesses) and undersigned notary public\"; and the notary public notarizes the signature by thumb or other mark through an acknowledgment, jurat, or signature witnessing. 3\. A notary public is authorized to sign-on behalf of a person who is physically ùnable to sign or make a mark on an instrument or document if: \*the notary public is directed by the person unable to sign or make a mark to sign on his behalf; \*the signature of the notary public is affixed in the presence of two disinterested and unaffected witnesses to the instrument or document; \*both witnesses sign their own names; the notary public writes below his signature: \"Signature affixed by notary in presence of (names and addresses of person and two witnesses)\"; and the notary public notarizes his signature by acknowledgment or jurat. Probative Value of Public Documents The effect of the notarization of a private document is to convert the said document into a public one and render it admissible in evidence in court without Further proof of its authenticity and due execution. Public documents are entitled to full faith and credit on their face in the absence of any clear and convincing evidence, more than merely preponderant, that their execution was tainted by defects or irregularities that would warrant a declaration of nullity. One who denies the due execution of a deed where one\'s signature appears, has the burden of proving that, contrary to the recital in the jurat one never appeared before the notary public and acknowledged the deed to be a voluntary act. Legal Recognition of Electronic Data Messages and Electronic Documents R.A. No. 8792, otherwise known as the Electronic Commerce Act (2000) gives legal recognition to any kind of electronic data message and electronic document used in the context of commercial and non-commercial activities including domestic and international dealings, transactions, arrangements, agreements, contracts and exchanges and storage of information. The legal recognition of Electronic Documents are as follows (RA 8792, 2000, Section 7): 1\. Electronic documents shall have the legal effect, validity or enforceability as any other document or legal writing 2\. Where the law requires a document to be in writing, that requirement is met by an electronic document if the said electronic document maintains its integrity and reliability and can be authenticated so as to be usable for subsequent reference, in that- \*The electronic document has remained complete and unaltered, , apart from the addition of any endorsement and any authorized change, or any change which arises in the normal course of communication, storage and display, and \*The electronic document is reliable in the light of the purpose for which was generated and in the light of all relevant circumstances. Electronic document refers to information or the representation information, data, figures, symbols or other modes of written expression, described or however represented, by which a right is established or an obligation extinguished, or which a fact may be proved and affirmed, which is received, recorded, transmitted, stored, processed, retrieved or produced electronically. 3\. Paragraph \# 2 applies whether the requirement therein is in the form of an obligation or whether the law simply provides consequences for the document not being presented or retained in its original form. 4\. Where the law requires that a document be presented or retained in its original form, that requirement is met by an electronic document if- \*There exist a reliable assurance as to the integrity of the document from the time when it was first generated in its final form; and \*That document is capable of being displayed to the person to whom it is to be presented: Provided, That no provision of this Act shall apply to vary any and all requirements of existing laws on formalities required in the execution of documents for their validity. For evidentiary purposes, an electronic document shall be the functional equivalent of a written document under existing laws. Business Forms Business Forms are written forms used in conveyancing, or of the forms of deeds, instruments or documents creating, transferring, modifying or limiting rights to real as well as personal properties, and other forms related to business Contracts or transactions (Suarez, 2019). conveyance A conveyance is the transfer and assignment of any property right or interest from one individual or entity (the conveyor) to another (the conveyee). This is usually accomplished through a written instrument- most often a deed - that transfers title to or creates a lien on property (Wex Definitions Team, 2021). Deed is a written instrument under seal containing a contract or agreement ch bas been delivered by the parties to be bound and accepted by the obligee or covenantee. (Suarez, 2019). It is a legal document that grants its holder ownership of a piece of real estate or other assets, such as án automobile. types of Deeds Buyers and sellers in the real estate industry commonly encounter six different types of deeds. They are (Reffkin, 2022): 1\. Quitclaim deed It is sometimes called quick claim deeds, and are often used to transfer property among family members, to move properties into living trusts, and to remedy title errors. 2\. General warranty deed It is the most common type of deed used to transfer fee simple ownership of a property. 3\. Grant deed It is also known as a special warranty deed or a limited warranty deed. It provides all the same protections and guarantees as a general warranty deed with one key difference: It only warrants the period during which the seller owned the property (Reffkin, 2022). 4\. Bargain and sale deed It typically accompanies homes sold at foreclosure. This type of deed transfers title to the new owner, but it does not warrant against encumbrances. Homeowners who purchase a foreclosed home with a bargain and sale deed may encounter tax liens, problematic easements, or third-party claims to the title (Reffkin, 2022). 5\. Deed of trust it is used in home loans and is signed among three parties - a lender (called the beneficiary), a borrower (called the trustor), and a third party called a trustee (Reffkin, 2022). 6\. Mortgage deed It functions like a deed of trust with one key difference. This type of deed features only two parties-a lender and a borrower. The trustee, who holds the title in a deed of trust, does not factor into a mortgage deed. What is a Will? A will is a legal document which is prepared with certain formalities and under which a person directs what will happen to his/her property after his/her death. The will is effective only upon the person\'s death and it can be modified or revoked by the person at any time during his/her life (Battle, 2006), Distinction between a Deed and a Will While wills and deeds are completely different documents, both of them have the effect of transferring ownership of property, and both can be used in disposing of such property in the context of estate planning. A will disposes of one\'s estate upon death and a deed passes an interest in land or other real property. What is a Jurat? Jurat is that part of an affidavit in which the officer certifies that the instrument was sworn to before him (Suarez, 2019). It is used in affidavits, certifications, verifications or whenever the person executing a document or instrument makes a statement of facts or attests to the truth of an occurrence of an event under oațh. It refers to an act in which an individual on a single occasion (Rules on Notaria Practice of 2004, Rule I1, Section 6): \*Appears in person before the notary public and presents an instrument or document; \* is personally known to the notary public or identified by the notary public through competent evidence of identity as defined by these Rules; \*Signs the instrument or document in the presence of the notary; and \*Takes an oath or affirmation before the notary public as to such instrument or document. A jurat should only be used in affidavits, sworn statements, certifications, verifications and the like, but never in Contracts (Suarez, what is an Acknowledgement? Acknowledgement is the act of one who has executed a deed, in going before some competent officer or court and declaring it to be his act or deed. An knowledgement is to authenticate an agreement between two or more persons, or where the document contains a disposition of property (Ateneo Law School, 2009). What is an Affidavit? Afidavit is a voluntarily sworn declaration of written facts. It is sworn before a notary or other officers entitled to administer an oath or take acknowledgement Suarez, 2019). The documeht needs to be authorized either by oath commissioner or any Notary public so that the authenticity of afiant\'s signature can be proved. Both author and witness need to sign it, if the afidavit is needed for conducting court proceedings therefore it needs to be created in a proper manner by any legal professional. \*The person making the sworn statement is referred to as the affiant. Legal Responsibility of Making or Executing Afidavits An affidavit is a legal document that is very similar to a witness\'s sworn testimony in a court of law. Prior to giving testimony, a witness in a trial must swear that what they are about to say is true and correct under penalty of perjury. An afidavit carries the same penalty of perjury, only it is used to attest to things outside of the courtroom (legalnature. com, 2022). The crime of perjury is committed by any person who shall knowingly make untruthful statements or make an affidavit, upon any material matter and required by law. It is punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years and four months (ndvlaw. com, n.d.). As stated in the Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code: Article 183: False testimony in other cases and perjury in solemn afirmation. The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any person, who, knowingly makes untruthful statements and not being included in the provisions of the next preceding articles, shall testify under oath, or make an affidavit, upon any material matter before a competent person authorized to administer an oath in cases in which the law so requires. The elements of Perjury, culled from Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code are as follows (Reyes, 2012): \*The accused made a statement under oath or executed an affidavit upon a material matter; \*the statement or affidavit was made before a competent officer authorized to receive and administer oaths: \*In the statement or affidavit, the accused made a willful and deliberate assertion of a falsehood; and \*The sworn statement containing the falsity is required by law or for a legal purpose. Components of an Affidavit Affidavits may be written in the first or third person, depending on who drafted the document. If in the first person, the document\'s component parts are (Ateneg Law Schocl, 2009): 1\. A commencement which identifies the afiant: 2\. The individual averments, almost always numbered as mandated by law, each one making a separate claim; 3\. A conclusion generally stating that everything is true, under penalty of perjury, fine, or imprisonment; and 4\. An attestation, usually a jurat, at the end certifying the affiant made an oath and the date. Parts of an Affidavit The parts of an Affidavit are (Suarez 2019): Venue- the place where the affidavit was taken. This will show whatever the official administering the oath of affirmation has acted within this jurisdiction. 2\. Body- The facts stated in the body of an affidavit must be stated positively, and not merely a matter of belief, by one who has actual knowledge of the fact and its allegations should be full, certain and exact. 3\. Signature of the Affiant and the Jurat- The proper place of the signature is below the body of the affidavit. Jurat is that part of an affidavit in which the officer certifies that the instrument was sworn to before him (Suarez, 2019). common Example of Afidavit: \*Affidavit of Loss - is a document declaring the loss of a security usually through theft or destruction. The affidavit contains all the details regarding the loss, such as the owner\'s name and any information pertaining to the security. That infornmation may include a serial number or the security\'s date of issue (Kenton, 2021). \*Affidavit of Birth - is a legal document that can be used to verify the facts Sorrounding an individual\'s birth, including birth date, location, and the name of each parent (Rocket Lawyer Inc, 2021). \*Affidavit of Death - is a sworn legal document used to attest that a person is dead. Affidavit of Death forms can only be written and signed by someone who has first-hand knowledge of the person\'s death and is typically accompanied by a certified copy of a death certificate. \*Affidavit of Good Faith- is an affidavit filed to show that good faith efforts have been made to do something. Law requires the filing of these types of documents in varied situations. It is also a part of the chattel mortgage contract wherein it is stated that the chattel mortgage has been constituted to secure a principal obligation and is not meant for fraud or any ill purpose. It is possible to defraud using a mortgage. \*Judicial Affdavit - is a written, out-of-court statement taken before a notary public or any person authorized to administer an oath (affidavit), is in a question and answer form (Section 8, Rule 2, A.M. No. 01-2-04-SC), and serves as witness\' direct testimonies, subject to cross-examination in accordance with existing rules on evidence (Section 1, Rule 5, A.M, No. 01-2-04-SC). \*Affidavit of Desistance - is a written statement under oath by the complainant stating that he/she is no longer interested in pursuing the complaint or criminal case against another person. It is fled before the office or court where the complaint is pending or being investigated. \*Affidavit of Undertaking - This affidavit is voluntarily executed in order to attest to the truthfulness of the foregoing narration of facts and undertaking under pain of administrative, criminal and civil liabilities, and for whatever legal purpose it may serve. Affidavit of Disinterested Persons - The affidavit contains the sworn statements of two disinterested persons clarifying discrepancies in a person\'s name The two persons who will sign the affidavit should: -Be disinterested persons or have no interest in the subject-matter of the affidavit. -Not be related to the person subject of the affidavit (e.g. not a parent, child) -Have personal knowledge of the facts subject of the affidavit. \*affidavit of Arresting Officer - is generally filled out by the arresting officer and states the facts and circumstances surrounding an arrest. The affidavit may state such facts as the information which led to the arrest and the observations made before and after the arrest occurred. It is a statement given under oath and penalty of perjury. It may also be referred to as an arrest report. \*Complaint Affidavit- is a sworn statement prepared by someone who wishes to file a legal complaint. It becomes the basis for the case, providing basic information about the facts of the matter and outlining the nature of the case (McMahon, 2022) Affidavit of Witness - The witness writes out the facts about which she has knowledge that are relevant to the case, signing the document and swearing under penalty of perjury that it is true. In most cases, the witness must sign the affidavit before a notary or officer of the court. Application for Search Warrant - All applications for Search Warrant shall be approved for filing by the Chief of Office. The application shall indicate the following data (Revised PNPOperational Procedure, 2021): -Office applying for the Search Warrant; -Name of officer-applicant; -Name of the subject, if known; -Exact address/place(s) to be searched; -Specific statement of things/articles to be seized; and -Sketch and/or Picture, if available, of the place to be searched. -The availability or unavailability of f BWCs to be used in the execution of the warrant. In case of unavailability, request for authority to use ARDs. \*Search is an examination of an individual\'s person, house papers or effects, or her buildings and premises to discover contraband or some evidence of guilt to be used in the prosecution of a criminal action. \*Deposition of Witness - Is a sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather formation as part of the discovery process and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial. The witness being deposed is called the deponent (Wex Definitions team, n.d.). Documents after the Execution of Search Warrant Issued The following documents shall be issued by the Police officer after executing a Search warrant: \*Receipt for Property Seized The police officer who confiscates property under the warrant shall issue a detailed receipt of property seized to the lawful occupant of the premises. In the absence of such occupant, the detailed receipt shall be left in the place in which he/ she found the seized property in the presence of at least two witnesses of sufficient age and discretion residing in the same locality. The receipt shall likewise include items seized under the Plain View Doctrinell (Revised PNP Operational Procedure, 2021). \*Certification of Orderly Search It is a document certifying that the search was conducted in accordance with law \*Affidavit of Denial for NBI Clearance Affidavit of denial may be submitted to clear one\'s name when there are other records bearing the same name with pending case or derogatory information (vsbooks.com, n.d.).