Differences in Report Writing Assignment

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Liberty University *

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231

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Law

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Apr 29, 2024

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docx

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Differences in Report Writing Documentation Angelica Simmons Criminal Justice, Liberty University CJUS231- Criminal Justice Report Writing Professor, Buckner March 7 th , 2024

Differences In Report Writing Documentation Introduction The demanding and diverse responsibilities of a law enforcement officer require a unique set of qualities not suited for everyone. Those in this profession must conduct themselves with the awareness that they are held to elevated standards. Careful handling of various situations, ranging from minor traffic offenses to serious felonies, is paramount. Thorough documentation of these incidents is crucial for maintaining the expected high standards of law enforcement. This assignment will delve into the essential aspects of gathering information for both misdemeanor and felony investigations. It will emphasize the importance of accuracy in preparing reports. Additionally, we will explore the distinctions between internal and external statements and determine the optimal timing for completing these reports. Lastly, we will examine the role of a Christian worldview in the field of law enforcement, drawing inspiration from the biblical passage in the book of Isaiah that encourages the pursuit of justice and righteousness. The passage from Isaiah, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" (Open Bible, 2022), serves as the introductory quote for this research paper. Its profound resonance highlights the significance of embodying goodness in the eyes of God for those engaged in law enforcement. To achieve justice for the vulnerable, one must first strive to uphold moral values. Regardless of the nature of the crime, every individual is a victim, and it is our duty to provide communities with a service that is honest, reliable, and efficient.

In our recent discussions, we've established that the severity of misdemeanor property offenses is contingent upon the value of the affected property. Each state has specific laws outlining precise dollar values associated with lost or stolen property, along with corresponding criminal charges. In Colorado, for example, a class 3 misdemeanor is assigned if the property's value ranges from fifty dollars to less than three hundred dollars (Morris & Merson, 2016). While property values differ from state to state, the essential information required for documenting an investigation remains consistent. The officer responding to an incident is tasked with notetaking and providing a narrative during the recording of investigations for all reports and inquiries. Unlike other crimes, property offenses place greater importance on the details of the target item. For such cases, the case report must incorporate an additional page referred to as a property continuation/supplement or inventory sheet (Morris & Merson, 2016, p. 129). Our research should encompass details such as the property's item number, amount, brand, model, description, serial number, value, and, if available, images. An instance of a misdemeanor property crime serves as just one illustration, yet every investigation will commence with identical foundational principles. Throughout an inquiry, it is imperative to furnish responses to the six crucial questions: who was involved, what transpired, when it took place, where it occurred, why it happened, and how the events unfolded. Consistent with my prior professional experiences, irrespective of the gravity of the offense, every investigation must encompass a chronological narrative and address these six pivotal inquiries. Felony offenses can be categorized into two primary groups, although this classification is not mandatory: crimes against individuals and crimes against property. Each state has specific laws delineating the severity of a crime, and law enforcement personnel must be familiar with or have access to these laws when documenting an incident. I find enjoyment in watching television

dramas and criminal documentaries, appreciating the storytelling aspect they offer. Take, for instance, the introduction of the television series "Criminal Minds," which unfolds the aftermath of a felony offense. Initially, viewers are left in the dark about how the crime transpired, who was involved, or the sequence of events. The responsibility of the program's editors is to gradually elucidate the incident's occurrences. By the end of the 25-minute episode, viewers have encountered suspects, evidence, witness and victim accounts, and often microscopic DNA linking the perpetrator to the crime, presented in chronological order. This deliberate sequencing is crucial, as it mirrors the procedures followed by law enforcement officials. When presenting an investigation in court to a diverse jury with varying educational backgrounds, these steps ensure clarity. Jurors, much like viewers of the show, may not be experts in forensics or law enforcement. Therefore, everyone needs to comprehend the language used in police documentation of a crime, as the use of jargon, acronyms, and specialized terminology may confuse when reports are read aloud during a trial. The documentation will include additional details about individuals involved in criminal offenses. Comprehensive documentation of the victim's injuries, encompassing photographs, measurements, and comments, is essential. The severity of the committed crime can be ascertained by the extent of the victim's injuries, and any subsequent disclosure of additional injuries by the victim may elevate the classification of the crime. In your inquiry, it is imperative to incorporate statements from witnesses, the victim, and suspects. Establishing a rapport with the statement giver is crucial for obtaining a clear and accurate account. The person providing the statement should remain composed and coherent, and the law enforcement officer drafting it should delve deeper to ensure accuracy. When cases of this nature are presented for review, the case report is likely to undergo closer scrutiny (Morris & Merson, 2016, p. 145). The statements

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