CRIM 1200 - Report Writing Fundamentals

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

1. Document how the information was originated for the incident.
2. Examine and describe the organization of a criminal justice case report from the beginning to the disposition.
3. Describe the differences between public-access versus private roadways and how they pertain to documenting accident reports.
4. Demonstrate how to document a detailed use-of-force narrative report.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to compare and contrast the purpose of different types of criminal justice reports.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast differences among criminal justice report forms, including the vital information required for each component within the narrative.
2. Document the organization of elements needed for the flow of the case report.
3. Describe differences in completing criminal justice reports between crimes against people versus crimes against property.
4. Examine different criminal law elements needed for different case reports.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to document their personal observations and obtain relevant information from victims, witnesses, and suspects.

Objectives:

1. Document the first interaction with an individual at an incident. 
2. Describe the responsibilities on being the first officer on a crime scene.
3. Demonstrate how to document relevant information and observations from witnesses, victims, etc.
4. Describe observations of a crime scene in a written report.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. Report Writing Process
   1. Step 1 (How report was located- dispatched, self-awareness, etc.)
   2. Step 2 (first contact)
   3. Step 3 (body of report)
   4. Step 4 (disposition of report-closed, Open for FI, TOT to DB)
2. Information Required for Criminal Justice Report Forms
   1. Note Taking
   2. Statements
   3. Observations
3. Types of Reports
   1. Use of Force
   2. Traffic Accidents (Non-injury v. Injury)
   3. Others
4. Characteristics of Sources
   1. Victim
   2. Witness
   3. Reporting Party
   4. Suspect
   5. Reported By