Law enforcement professionals and criminologists write both investigative and administrative reports. Some common investigative reports are crime and arrest reports, incident and accident reports, and pre-sentencing reports.
A typical crime or arrest report includes a clear timeline of events, for both the crime and the investigation, such as when the defendant was taken into custody, read his or her Miranda rights, and interviewed. The report should also include other details about the criminal investigation—for example, where the interview with the defendant took place, who else was present, and whether any other witnesses were interviewed.
Administrative reports typically include a description of a problem, supported by research and statistical data, and recommendations based on an analysis of the data. A consultant’s administrative report to a new police chief, for example, may include a briefing about the demographics and crime problems in the local area, an analysis of official crime statistics using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, a summary of the findings, and recommendations based on the findings.
Both investigative and administrative reports may be formatted as memos and written to specific audiences who need the information to make decisions, formulate policy, and implement recommendations. In all cases, accuracy, completeness, and objectivity are key to an effective report.
Thompson, “Crime in Leesburg, Virginia”
Related topics:
Research papers
Analytical papers
Argument or position papers
Policy memos
Case briefs and legal briefs
Case plans (or case notes)