Report Writing and articulating force

Now that we have covered some of the basics on pre-attack indicators and we have discussed attacking before you opponent gets the first strike lets talk about writing the report.

Report writing is just as important to your survival as the physical skills. If your report writing skills are non-existent then you may run into a spot of legal trouble. Officers need to be taught how to articulate their actions. Not just articulation but how to write it in a report to increase their chances of winning the case at court.

Reports need a clear beginning, middle and end. Always try to write your report in chronological order. It makes it easier for the reader to understand what is happening and when.

Ideally you want your report to sound similar to the way you talk about the incident to your co-workers. Too often I read a report like this. “SMITH was aggressive to staff. As a result I directed him to the ground. I then applied mechanical restraints and awaited the arrival of the local police service. While waiting for the police SMITH attacked me and was taken down again. In the course of the takedown SMITH broke his arm”

What does this tell me? Nothing!

So now as this officer’s supervisor, I need to sit down with them and get them tell me every little detail. How was Smith aggressive? Was he yelling and screaming? Was he hitting people? Was he getting into a fighting stance and making threats? After that was there any communication between the officer and Smith before you took him down? What takedown did the officer use? Was there a fight? Were any verbal commands given?
Obviously the number of open ended questions goes on and on. Clearly we need a lot more information in this report.
Another thing that sticks out in this is that the officer is trying to sound far too professional. “directed him to the ground” and “applied mechanical restraints” and not words we use on a day to day basis. We order people to the ground or perform takedown X. We use handcuffs not mechanical restraints.

So what are some of the things that should go into any report for an incident that involved force?

Well how about a size disparity? This can be very important during complaints of excessive force.
What about some of the environmental conditions? How dark is it? What type of ground are you on? Where was the incident? Are there any nearby weapons?
What type of pre-attack indicators did the suspect demonstrate? 1000 yard stare? Clenching hands and teeth? Scanning? Fighting stance? Did the suspect ignore your commands or questions? Did the suspect verbalise harm?
Also note any other relevant information. How many suspects? Was backup available? Was the suspect armed? Known blood borne pathogens? Were you physically exhausted from the fight?

Also make sure your report is using facts not your conclusions. John Bostain and his team at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) created this great use of force reporting guide showing the difference between facts and conclusions.



Finally don’t censor your report. Too often officers think that they can’t swear in the report because their boss might read it. If someone shouts an expletive at you then type that into the report. Put it in verbatim.

My apologies on how long it took to get this article up. I am hoping to have one up every Saturday from now on.

Stay Safe,

Chris