Town of Dunstable, MA

Although many police officer duties are public and open to public view, there remains an unnoticed duty that all officers must competently complete. Although this un-disclosed duty may not spur the attention of news agencies vying for a developing news story, this unseen police duty clearly affects future police outcomes. The duty is: "police report writing."

Officers are called to myriad police incidents in which information must be documented accurately and completely. Officers must rely on their skill sets of observation, interviewing, interrogation, and evidence collection in order to write professional reports that may be used for either operational or administrative purposes. In some law enforcement agencies, police report writing may occupy fifty percent of an officers allotted work time. In detective bureaus the hours spent writing reports may occupy between sixty and seventy five percent of an officers allocated work time. Due to the fact that this task is often hidden from open view, the public becomes completely unaware of the time and skill required to provide effective police documentation.

Police reports are essential to insurance companies, property owners, crime victims, defense attorneys, district attorneys and victim witness advocates. A well written police report may help to provide compensation to victims or aid the courts in adjudication. Administrative police reports may direct additional follow-up investigation or aid in tracking the success of police interventions. Because police reports have a multitude of purposes, officers must dedicate considerable time and resources in their completion. Professional police reports save time and money.

Although the task of report writing may appear tedious and un-exciting, it remains a vital part of all police operations and is necessary in directing future criminal justice actions.

Wishing all happiness and wellness!

Emergency 9-1-1, Business 978-649-7445

James G. Downes III
Chief of Police

P.S. The Dunstable Police Department recently received complete grant funding to purchase (1) 2006 Ford Explorer (4X4) to be used to supplement police operations.