Unit 4 Lesson 3 Investigations and Reporting PDF

Unit 4 Investigating Crimes Lesson 3 Investigations and Reporting Lesson Goal You will be able to document a crime using investigative techniques. Think About This An officer is writing a report about an altercation that happened between three inmates. The officer wants to return a favor to on...

Unit 4 Investigating Crimes Lesson 3 Investigations and Reporting Lesson Goal You will be able to document a crime using investigative techniques. Think About This An officer is writing a report about an altercation that happened between three inmates. The officer wants to return a favor to one of the inmates involved, so they alter the report so that the inmate does not receive a severe punishment. What do you think will happen to both the inmate and the officer if it is discovered that they gave false information? Learning the components of an investigation will help you participate in an investigation, follow proper protocol, and avoid contaminating evidence. Participating in or having any type of involve- ment in an investigation will be directed by a supervisor or lead investigator. ✅ CO843.1. Know how to apply basic investigative techniques during investigations when directed to do so You may be asked to take statements from victims, witnesses, or suspects, and then give the infor- mation to an investigator. If you are tasked with making a report, carefully question the person; you may empathize by verbally comforting the person, but do not touch them (this includes hugs or pats on the back). If you are not directly questioning a person, it is nonetheless appropriate to let them talk on their own if you are in their presence. Document what you hear, but do not encourage the person to interact with you. You may be called upon to testify in court. Investigation techniques may include collecting and preserving evidence, taking statements, taking photographs or video recordings, and working with other agencies or departments to process evidence or investigate facts. Remember the chain of command, and proceed only within the scope of instructions given to you in the investigative process. ✅ CO843.2. Know how to write an incident report for an investigation and the consequences for recording false information Documenting an incident could involve filling out a template, or writing a standard incident report of the details of an incident for an investigation. Each agency will determine the criteria and methods required for writing a clear and concise report, as well as the timeline for submitting reports. It is important to clarify the details you write in a report, representing details as either approximate—“I went in at approximately 9:00 a.m.”—or absolute, such as, “I went in at 9:05 a.m.” Always keep copies of reports you submit, and refer to your written report when recalling facts during questioning in Chapter 8 Responding to Incidents and Emergencies / 287 an investigation. Your reports will help during legal matters and investigations of incidents. Refer- ring to them will also help you maintain consistency with your own account. If you intentionally give false information during an investigation, you may be terminated. 288 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1