Communications and Report Writing
Communication Basics
Use clear, concise, professional language. On radio, follow protocol: identify yourself, state the situation briefly, and listen. Avoid slang and speculation. Confirm critical information by repeating it back.
Report Writing
Reports should be accurate, objective, complete, and timely. Use plain language, chronological order, and specific descriptions. Distinguish direct observation from hearsay. Include times, locations, names, and actions taken. Avoid opinions, conclusions, and editorializing.
Traps
- Including opinions or conclusions.
- Omitting negative or unfavorable facts.
- Using vague terms like "suspicious" or "a while."
- Failing to proofread.
Worked Example
Instead of "I approached the subject who was acting weird," write "At 21:05 I approached a male who was pacing and shouting near the east entrance." Rule of thumb: write what a reader who wasn't there could picture.