Exam 1: The Nature of Report Writing

Recent interest in the forensic sciences due to popular TV and movie portrayals of forensic and crime scene investigations has increased the need for forensic evidence to be introduced in criminal proceedings. This has been termed:

A staff artist is sometimes asked to make composite sketches from information given by victims and/or witnesses.

When listening to statements from victims and witnesses, you should begin taking notes and/or writing the report when they first begin their description of the incident.

When taking notes, you should:

Probation officers are responsible for writing the _____________, which many judges depend on when determining a suitable sentence.

The simplest and most immediate form of writing most commonly used by security guards is in the:

When collecting evidence at a crime scene, you want to separate objects to avoid ________________.

Many chief executives and training officers believe that poor or inadequate report writing continues to be one of their agency's major problems.

The criminal justice report writer is not just a clerk or recorder of information, but the writer is an _________________.

What are the ABCs of report writing?

_____________ use reports to help determine problems that may affect the profitability of a business.

Circumstantial evidence is evidence from which inferences can be drawn.

_____________ use reports to help document local problems, possible solutions, and manage budget and training needs within an organization.

When sketching, be sure to use _____________ from which to relate positions.

Parole officers see an offender after he or she has been released from prison.

Real evidence includes what you or other persons know through the use of the five senses.

____________ use reports to provide facts for follow-up by other investigators, help themselves recall details, and keep track of ongoing investigations.

Brevity in report writing should be avoided because it results in a loss of accuracy.

Describe the difference between real evidence and direct evidence.

Describe two purposes of probation and parole officer reports.