Deck 1: The Nature of Report Writing

Question 1

_____________ use reports to help determine problems that may affect the profitability of a business.

A) Corrections officers
B) Law enforcement officers
C) Security officers
D) Administrative personnel

Answer 1

C

Question 2

_____________ use reports to help document local problems, possible solutions, and manage budget and training needs within an organization.

A) Administrative personnel
B) Law Enforcement Officers
C) Corrections officers
D) Security officers

Answer 2

A

Question 3

____________ use reports to provide facts for follow-up by other investigators, help themselves recall details, and keep track of ongoing investigations.

A) Law enforcement officers
B) Security officers
C) Administrative personnel
D) Corrections officers

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Probation officers are responsible for writing the _____________, which many judges depend on when determining a suitable sentence.

A) first contact order
B) presentence investigation report
C) arrest warrant
D) violation of probation request

Question 5

Recent interest in the forensic sciences due to popular TV and movie portrayals of forensic and crime scene investigations has increased the need for forensic evidence to be introduced in criminal proceedings. This has been termed:

A) the popular culture effect
B) the forensic effect
C) the scientific evidence effect
D) the CSI effect

Question 6

The simplest and most immediate form of writing most commonly used by security guards is in the:

A) log
B) presentence investigation report
C) offense report
D) arrest report

Question 7

When taking notes, you should:

A) record only the details that you think are important and leave out more minor notes
B) record as many details as possible, including minor notes
C) record notes only after you've left the scene
D) avoid taking notes since they may confuse you while writing your final report

Question 8

The criminal justice report writer is not just a clerk or recorder of information, but the writer is an _________________.

A) investigator
B) expert
C) witness
D) trier of facts

Question 9

When sketching, be sure to use _____________ from which to relate positions.

A) measurement
B) triangulation
C) fixed objects
D) photos

Question 10

When collecting evidence at a crime scene, you want to separate objects to avoid ________________.

A) confusion
B) contamination
C) loss
D) inaccuracies

Question 11

When listening to statements from victims and witnesses, you should begin taking notes and/or writing the report when they first begin their description of the incident.

Question 12

A staff artist is sometimes asked to make composite sketches from information given by victims and/or witnesses.

Question 13

Direct evidence for law enforcement, forensics, security, or corrections involves tangible, identifiable objects such as weapons, clothing, confiscated objects, semen or blood.

Question 14

Real evidence includes what you or other persons know through the use of the five senses.

Question 15

Circumstantial evidence is evidence from which inferences can be drawn.

Question 16

Parole officers see an offender after he or she has been released from prison.

Question 17

Many chief executives and training officers believe that poor or inadequate report writing continues to be one of their agency's major problems.

Question 18

Accuracy in report writing is important in word usage as well as in information.

Question 19

Brevity in report writing should be avoided because it results in a loss of accuracy.

Question 20

Describe two purposes of law enforcement reports.

Question 21

Describe two purposes of probation and parole officer reports.

Question 22

Describe the difference between real evidence and direct evidence.

Question 23

What are the ABCs of report writing?