Criminal Justice Report Writing: Easy Strategies for Effective Sentences

Many police officers find report writing a frustrating task--and not just because reports take up so much of their time. A big complaint is that the final result is so unsatisfactory (a problem echoed by their supervisors).

Why do so many intelligent men and women have difficulty with report writing, and what can be done about it?

One easy strategy that many officers overlook is to simplify the sentence structure: Start every sentence with a person, place, or thing, and insert a period when you come to the end.

To put it another way: Many officers are much better writers than they (or their supervisors) think. Problems arise when a tired officer coming off a stressful shift tries to write the kinds of elaborate sentences that are best left to novelists.

Here's an example:

Four CDs were recovered from the defendant, which he had conceal those items by stuffing them inside his jacket. SYNTAX PROBLEMS

Problems abound here: the -ed ending is missing from "conceal," the which clause is awkward and misplaced (it should come right after "Four CDs"), and the report doesn't state who took the CDs away from the defendant--an omission that could cause problems later, if the case goes to court.

Recommendation: Write shorter sentences, and start each one with a person, place, or thing. (In a police report, it's usually best to start with a person.)

When we follow this advice, we come up with something like this:

I recovered four CDs from Johnson. He had stuffed the CDs inside his shirt. PROFESSIONAL SENTENCES

Simple, elegant, and--most important--efficient.

Officers sometimes object that writing "I" and using names violates objectivity. Not true. A dishonest person can write "this officer" and "the defendant" just as easily as an honest person.

Read the sentences below. Can you tell which one was written by a dishonest officer?

I looked through the open door and saw a man with his hands around a woman's neck.

This officer proceeded to observe the scene through the open door, noticing said victim was standing there with the hands of said defendant around her neck.

Of course you can't. Honesty, integrity, and professionalism are the result of a personal commitment. They can't be attained through verbal tricks. (And did you notice that the second version took longer to read? That could be an issue if you're preparing for a court hearing.)

Here are some simple principles that can make you a more efficient and effective report writer:

1. Start each sentence with a person, place, or thing. (In most reports, you'll be writing about people.)

2. Use timesaving words like I, me, and the names of suspects and witnesses.

3. In general, put only one fact into each sentence.

4. End each sentence with a period.

Those four principles can help you avoid a host of syntax problems and tangled sentences. Other benefits are less time spent writing reports (and, if your supervisor is a stickler, rewriting them). Most important, you'll have the satisfaction of writing like a true professional.

Jean Reynolds, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus at Polk State College, where she taught report writing and communication skills in the criminal justice program. She is the author of seven books, including "Police Talk" (Pearson), cowritten with the late Mary Mariani. Visit her website at http://www.yourpolicewrite.com/ for free report writing instructional resources. Go to http://amzn.com/0578082942 for information about her book "The Criminal Justice Guide to Report Writing for Officers."

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What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning?

I have been been working in Corporate world for over 20 years and what I have learnt over the years through research and when asking people why they studied what they did and what they dream about doing with their lives are usually two very different things. It concerned me greatly and still does every single day, that people are led into a society which does not encourage passions to be explored, but rather to conform to the requirements of a rather limited choice.

Some don't know what they would do and others are studying and have studied what they have been told to study, in order to make a living, raise a family and have a decent retirement. So, most of us go through life, saving for retirement and seeing work as just that "work" and not something that could be enjoyed immensely while offering a specific benefit to society purely by using our unique talents and gifts.

A lot of people have not had the benefit of career guidance or a discussion on what it is they really love to do and where they feel they could add value to society by doing what it is they are innately best at.

If some of you did become what you dreamed you would, then you are one of the lucky ones. For those who didn't...spend a few minutes considering the reasons. What were those reasons. It could have been financial, family influence, or just not knowing how to get there on your own. It could be many things.

Our beliefs and approach to careers create barriers to human potential, tapping into your potential through your passion leads to continuous happiness and living in the present moment. Enjoying every day instead of the "dread" of going to work each morning.

When your life is transformed at a deep level there is a subtle, yet instantaneous transformation taking place.
Being able to make better decisions by thoroughly understanding the underlying reasons for choosing the career and study, or further study. Explore current ideas, perceptions, industries and how to envision, develop and progress in a new or altered career direction. Empowering yourself with the tools that will assist you most effectively for success in today's world.

We spend anything from 8-14 hours or more per day at work, everyday of our lives except perhaps weekends. Disliking your work can be very demotivating and adds ongoing pressure and stress.

It does take time and loads of courage to try and make a change of career, looking for a job is a job in itself but it is worth it!

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3 Benefits Of Going To Teach In The Middle East

Teaching abroad can be an amazing opportunity. While some experiences of teaching abroad are universal, others are completely unique to the Middle East. If you're interested in learning more about how you can teach in the Middle East, consider these specific benefits.

Experience A New Culture By Going To Teach In The Middle East

Learning about how others live is an experience in itself. There is new food, new currency, a new language, new religious customs and more. Going to teach in the Middle East can be an amazing experience but before you go, you'll want to make yourself comfortable with some of the most common cultural differences.

For instance, using your left hand in the United Arab Emirates is considered offensive and unclean so you'll want to eat, gesture and shake hands with your right hand. Shoes are typically removed before entering someone's home and the thumbs up sign can be considered inappropriate. Those who follow the Muslim religion do not permit pork, products made from pigs and alcohol.

Many men walk hand in hand (this is considered a sign of friendship) and greet each other by giving kisses on each cheek. Men will shake hands with other men, but some men will not shake hands with women so it's best for a woman to wait for a man to offer his hand first. Attire should be conservative and both men and women should be covered. Local customs dictate that women wear longer skirts and cover their shoulders, but it's possible to find other non-natives who don't follow local customs. It's considered respectful -- however, it's not always necessary to wear native clothing as long as you're dressed modestly.

The Opportunity To Travel To Other Countries

If you decide to teach in the Middle East, you'll have the chance to travel to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and others. This experience is one that not many other people get to have and you'll be able to see sights like the pyramids at Giza, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the lost city of Petra and more.

It's important to remember that many of these countries are predominantly Muslim and care should be taken if you're interested in traveling to Israel. Security in Israel is tight so expect to be questioned about your motives. Don't take this personally and answer their questions truthfully and professionally and you won't have an issue.

Experience Boosts Your Resume

Whether you're interested in teaching as a career or just want to teach in the Middle East as a short-term job, the experience can add a definite plus to your resume. If you can teach in the Middle East with people who don't speak your language in a region that's known for conflict, you can likely handle any problem or issue that comes your way later in your career.

Teaching in this region comes with a number of rewards, both tangible and intangible. If you're interested in experiencing a vastly different culture, traveling the region and adding valuable experience to your resume, consider doing a little research to see if this is right for you.

Chris Harmen writes for the American International Development Council, an organization that helps westerners teach in the Middle East. AIDC connects teachers who want to go to Abu Dhabi to teach with jobs.

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