Written Communication and Report Writing
What the section tests
This section assesses whether you can write clearly, accurately, and in the correct register for a police audience. Expect tasks such as drafting an incident report, a witness statement summary, a formal memo, or a short letter. Markers look for a clear purpose, chronological or logical order, plain and precise language, correct grammar and spelling, and appropriate tone.
Structure that scores
An incident report normally states what happened, when, where, who was involved, what action was taken, and what follow-up is required. Use past tense for events, active voice where responsibility matters, and neutral wording. Avoid opinion, speculation, and emotional language; record facts and observations. Keep sentences short. Define abbreviations on first use and use consistent names or ranks throughout.
Traps to watch
Candidates lose marks for vagueness ("a man came and caused trouble") instead of specifics (time, place, description, exact words). Mixing tenses, shifting between first and third person, and inserting conclusions not supported by the facts are common faults. Do not omit the action taken, and do not include irrelevant background. Formal letters need correct salutation and closing; memos need a clear subject line.
Rule of thumb
Before writing, list the five Ws plus action taken. After writing, reread asking whether a reader with no prior knowledge could picture the event exactly and know what happens next.
Worked example
Weak: "There was a disturbance and I dealt with it." Stronger: "At about 21:40 on 3 May, I attended Broad Street, where two men were shouting. I separated them, cautioned both, and recorded their names."