Policy memos are written for many purposes—to inform, to explain, to document, to persuade, or to make a request. The format and style will vary from organization to organization, so you must be aware of the audience’s expectations and the conventions set by the organization you’re writing for.
Typically, the purpose of a policy memo is to help the audience understand the issue and interpret the policy to make practical judgments.
You might be asked to write a policy memo to the head of a criminal justice organization, such as the Transportation Security Administration, about the effects of racial profiling on a particular group. Your memo might include a description of the policies being used to address the problem; an argument, based on research, for changing the policies; and recommendations for policies or programs that would benefit the group about which you’re concerned.
Related topics:
Research papers
Analytical papers
Argument or position papers
Investigative and administrative reports
Case briefs and legal briefs
Case plans (or case notes)