P r e s e n t at i o n o n

REFRESHER COURSE FOR SPF OFFICERS

AMISOM POLICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
To equip the participants with the knowledge
and skills on how to write police reports.

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At the end of the lesson participants should be able to;
 Define what is a report?
 Why we write report?
 Types of Police Report
 Principles of report writing
 The 5ws and one H
 Identify the components/structure of a Report

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What is a report?
• A structured written presentation directed to a particular
interested reader(s) in response to some specific
purpose, aim or request/instruction.
• A given account of a matter after investigation.

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In the police context, report writing is used
for: • Communicating
• Retrieving information
• Ensuring accountability for observations and/or action.

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Reports must be:
• Accurate
• Brief
• Complete
• Clear
• Objective
• Well formatted

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Accurate
Use clear, specific and precise language. Make sure the facts are clear to you before
you describe them in a report. Do not confuse facts with hearsay or opinions.
Brief
A report must be short and concise, but long enough to cover all the
essentials. Avoid irrelevant information. Add details only when it is necessary.
A brief and well written report is more effective than a long extended report.
Complete
Partial facts can create a wrong picture. A good report should include all the
relevant facts in order to lead to a logical conclusion.

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Clear
Make it simple and avoid ambiguity in the report in order to convey the
intended message. All reports should be worded carefully so that the
information is clear to the reader. Facts should be presented in a
chronological order.
Objective
Keep the report objective and unbiased by stating the facts as they are
without adding personal opinions. Report all facts, even if they are
advantageous to the defendant.
Well formatted
The format of a report is relatively simple. Begin with the personal data,
then the report data and finally the conclusion. The information in the report has to be
in a chronological order so that they reflect the sequence of the events/incidents.

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 Prepare Appropriate

Proof
Read Plan

STEPS Useful
Reports
Easy to
Timely
Edit Draft Read

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The type of Report depends on the purpose for which it is written or required.
Investigative Report
They are written at the end of an investigation of an offence that has been committed
and to inform authorities concern of the action/steps taken during the investigation
and their outcome.
Situational Report
It covers the daily occurrences or happenings within the police station at a particular
time. It spells out whether the area is calm or something has happen which needs
immediate information and attention of authorities concern.

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 Progress Report

This is a report covering the progress of investigations made. It details out evidence

gathered, number of suspects arrested, persons injured, suspects released on bail,

statements obtained and description of exhibits collected.

Patrol Report

It is written on arrival at the police station after performing patrols-foot, mobile or

any approved form of police patrol duties.

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 Title/Heading – Tell the reader what the report is about. The title needs to concisely
state the topic of the report and needs to be informative so that someone just
reading the title will understand the main issue of your report.
 Introduction - In this section you explain the rational for writing the report. Set
the scene – give some background information about the topic.
-State the main purpose of the report.
-Outline the body structure.
 Main body -Organize the section in logical sequence
 Conclusion -What has been achieved.
-The significance of your findings and your discussions.

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 Recommendation- What do you recommend as a course of action following your

conclusion.

 References - List all the sources of information you have used to compile your

report.

 Appendices –Any information-graphs, charts, tables used in the compilation of the

report that has not been included in the body.

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 W-Who committed the crime.

 W-Where was the crime committed.

 W- Why was the crime committed.

 W –What crime was committed

 W –When was the crime committed.

 H- How was the crime committed.

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On 14 March, 2019 at about 10:30 hours there was an explosion at Goofgaduud
buurey 30 kilometers from Ministry of Planning and International Corporation
(MOPIC) conference hall.

On that faithful day was a market day, where traders from neighboring towns brings
their items and food to sale to the general public. According to an eye witness Mr.
AHMED, the perpetrators planted an IED in a gallon and hid it near a tree inside the
market. 3 explosive went off at 11:30 and 11:45hours at different locations whiles
people were busy doing their business at the market. The market was covered with
smoke with people shouting and crying for help for the injured. It was reported 13
people died and about 30 people injured from the blast.

A team of Police officers lead by Lt. Col. Abdi Mohamed from Baidoa Central Police
Station on board two Police vehicles with registration Numbers 2211 and 2212
arrived at the scene on same day after the incident at 12:00 hours. The CID officers
lead by Mr. Abduliahi Mohamed codon the scene for investigations. No arrest were
made and the injured are responding to treatment at the Baidoa general hospital.

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• It is important that Police should perform their job, report objectively,
as law enforcment agents.
• Your report may be instrumental and crucial in initiating investigations.

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