Report Writing, Documentation, and Testimony
What this domain tests
This domain tests whether your paperwork establishes every element of the offense and whether your testimony survives cross-examination.
Core rules
- Write to the elements. For each charge, the report must show the conduct, the mental state, and the result.
- Use first person, active voice, chronological order, and specific facts. Quote key statements verbatim. Record times, locations, witnesses, and evidence item numbers.
- Separate observation from inference. "He appeared unsteady" needs supporting detail: swaying, slurred speech, failing the walk-and-turn.
- Corrections: one line through the error, initials and date. Never erase, white out, or rewrite a page.
- Supplements document later contacts; never alter the original.
- Body-worn camera requirements are set by the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act (50 ILCS 706/10). Recorded statements in custodial settings may be discoverable.
- Brady and Giglio obligations require disclosure of exculpatory and impeachment material to the prosecutor.
- Testimony: answer only the question, do not guess, say "I don't know" when you do not, and refresh memory from your report only after reviewing it.
Worked example
A domestic battery report should state the relationship (family or household member), the victim's exact words, visible injuries with location and size, photographs taken, the suspect's statements, and the elements satisfied under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2. Writing "victim uncooperative" without describing what she said and did fails the element test.
Traps
Conclusory language such as "subject was combative" with no described conduct. Omitting the Miranda exchange. Failing to document evidence transfers. Guessing on the stand or arguing with defense counsel.