At the conclusion of studying and reading chapter 3 in the textbook and listening to this overhead lecture the student should be able to:
• Explain why reports are important to an investigation.
• List the ways in which reports are used.
• Identify the various individuals who comprise your audience and may read your re-ports.
• List the common problems that occur in many police reports.
• Explain the difference between content and form in the context of report writing.
• Identify the characteristics of effective investigative reports.
• Differentiate between a fact, an inference, and an opinion.
• Understand the benefits of well-written reports.