Application: Writing an Effective Report in the Field of Criminal Justice

The sooner you record an incident, the less likely you are to accidentally omit something important. If your report is written well and accurate, it is easier for others to understand and use to make more informed judgments and decisions. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of reports that are used in the field of criminal justice makes writing an effective report less grueling. Mastering the five W’s and H (who, what, when, where, why and how), preferred sentence construction, and direct statements help to enhance accuracy and readability of your reports.

For this Assignment, review the different types of reports that are used by law enforcement and by probation and parole officers. Create your own report using a hypothetical example of a crime that was committed or that pertains to a probationer or parolee. Then, examine any challenges you encountered when completing the report. In addition, consider how this type of report may be used in your current role or in a role in criminal justice in which you might be interested in working in the future.

The Assignment: (1 page)

• Select a type of report (e.g., a police report, a probation report, or a parole report) that you find most interesting
• Create your own report using a hypothetical example of a crime that was committed or that pertains to a probationer or parolee

Submit your report along with the following: (1–2 pages)

• Explain any challenges you encountered when completing the report
• Explain how this type of report may be used in your current role or in a role in criminal justice in which you might be interested in working in the future