Many judges, states attorney’s, juries, citizens, media outlets and many others believe that Police Officer’s should, in the course of their work be exposed to, expect and accept the fact that they will be battered by offenders, complainants and witnesses. The above people believe that this is part of the officers job. The reality of the matter is that although those people may think that it is part of the officer’s job, IT IS NOT!! Officer’s are expected to take verbal abuse/assault, but under no circumstance are they expected to take any physical contact by an offender. This may be one of the most important reports that you can write in terms of retaining your job as an officer. I have seen many officer’s get suspended for 180 days up to termination for not writing a good report on the above charge. When ever use of force is used against an offender it needs to be documented in exact order and not summarized. If you follow these steps below i can with almost complete certainty say you will get the offender convicted in court and you will not receive any administrative disciplinary actions or civil law suits with any merit.*** This is just an example of a summary that i just made up*** *** I always use the word “above” if information within the summary of the case report is stated on the above portion of your case report information.*****( In summary on 21Nov2009 at approximately 1705 hours R/O was notified by central dispatch of a fight in progress at the location of 2345 lincoln ave, charleston, illinois. Upon arrival R/O noticed above offender, now known as (Smith, John), kicking and striking above victim, now known as (Doe, Tim), in the face with his right foot. R/O then exited vehicle and announced office. At that time above offender stated ” You aint nothing” directed to R/O. At that time above offender began to run towards R/O. R/O gave multiple verbal commands for the above offender to stop and get on the ground. Above offender refused all verbal commands by R/O and then with his right hand struck R/O on the left side of the face with a closed fist. R/O at that time used force necessary to regain control of the above offender. R/O noticed visible signs of injury on above victims right side of face, nose and forehead. R/O also noticed visible signs of injury on the above offenders right hand, nose and left side of forehead. R/O notified central dispatch to advise Fire Rescue to proceed to R/O’s location. R/O also noticed a bleeding cut underneath R/O’s left eye. At approximately 1715 hours Fire Rescue arrived on scene. All parties involved were treated and released on scene by Fire Rescue. Above victim refused to sign complaints of battery for his injuries and was released without any further. Above offender was taken into custody for Aggravated Battery to Police Officer. Above offender was taken to Central Station and processed accordingly and then transported to County Jail awaiting Felony Bond Court ( 22Nov2009 / 0930 hours / RM. 203. R/O was dressed in departmental issued uniform at time of incident. Scene Photos inventoried under inventory # 2009-CS48765. Both parties were clear LEADS/NCIC. No Warrants/Wants. End of Report.
**** Note that you may , depending on what department you work for, have to include in your case summary to make mention that you had made contact with ( Felony Review for approved charges, Supervisor’s and Evidence Technicians).
**** Keywords that should be in every Aggravated Battery to P.O report.
0. Always use ” In summary”. It helps a lot in court when the defense asks you why you didn’t put “this or that” in your report. You can answer ” because this is just a summary of the factual events and not an entire second by second time-line of events.
1. How or why you were at the scene. ( Dispatched, Citizen Complaint or On-View)
2. Date and Time received of call and date and time any others were notified. ( Felony Review, Fire, Supervisors, etc).
3. What you observed before you exited your vehicle on scene.
4. What verbal directions/orders you gave and whether or not they were followed.
5. Name the parties involved.
6. Note exactly which part of body was used in connection with the battery and which part of body was struck.
7. Always use the word ” Force necessary to gain control of subject” if you had to fight with the offender.
8. Always note that you announced your office. ( Police, Get on the ground, do it now! )
9. If there are injuries always call for Fire Rescue and notify your dispatch over radio so its recorded.
10. Always note attire you were wearing. ( Full departmental issued uniform ) or ( Covert dress with departmental issued badge identification hanging on front side of body)
11. Always take pictures of injuries. If there is no camera for your department, use your cell phone and print it out.
**** This is just an example and more than likely there will be other events that need to be noted in your report, but these i believe are the absolute essentials.
How to Write Police Reports 
Leave a comment