Further Assistance: Th is resour ce is available at lewisuwritingcenter.wordpress.com.
For more detailed help or if you have questions, visit the Writing Center located in the Lewis University
Library, or call 815-836-5427
Consulted: Just th e Facts: Investigative Report W riting by Michael B iggs, “Police Report Prompt:
Writing in the Disciplines” by Dr. Jen Consilio
The Conclusion
The conclusion should include the final actions as the reporting officer. It should always end with “There is
nothing further to report.”
Example:
At approximately 0915 hours, I arrested Harrison and read her the Miranda Rights, and placed her in the back
seat of my squad car. We arrived at Jamesville Police Station at approximately 0925 hours.
There is nothing further to report.
Best Practices
Write in active voice as much as possible
Be direct, concise, and concrete
Use direct quotes only when needed
Use a person’s name if it is known; first and last name the first time they are introduced, and later by last
name only. If the suspect is unknown, use “Suspect #1 and Suspect #2”
Avoid slang, vulgarities, sexist, biased, and insensitive language unless quoting someone else’s words
The Body
The body explains what happened at the scene by answering the 5W’s and H: W h o, W hat,
When, Where, Why, and How
Example:
When I saw Inmates Frank Lopez and Dave Brock wrestling on the floor of cell P6B1, I immediately radioed
for assistance. Officer Scott Carter arrived at my location at approximately 0905 hours. We separated
Inmates Lopez and Brock, and we escorted them to a dormitory (cell P5C2).