A crime report is a written description of an incident that includes the details of a criminal act and the police response to it. The police department uses this information to determine how to proceed with the investigation. Writing a good crime scene report requires clear communication and objectivity. It should also be free of jargon that may only make sense to people within the police department. The report should also be written for a variety of audiences, including supervisors, attorneys and judges.
Crime scene reports should include the following elements:
Involved Parties: The names and contact information of all involved parties, including victims, suspects, witnesses and responding officers. Narrative of the Event: A detailed, chronologically ordered description of what happened at the crime scene. Evidence and Action Taken: Any evidence collected or actions taken at the scene, including contacting witnesses. Conclusion: The NYPD has an online reporting system where you can file a crime or incident report. However, you must use the correct forms as prescribed by your precinct. Moreover, you must have the proper identification to file the report. Intentionally filing a false police report is a crime.