Criminal Tech

Santana_CRJU_4169_MM_Chapter2.ppt

CRJU 4169: The Art of Note -Taking

Introduction

Note-taking is a skill that must be mastered by report writers working in the field of criminal justice.
Note-taking should never be attempted until the crime scene is rendered safe.

Types of Note-taking Tablets

General Guidelines for Taking Notes

Start at the beginning.
Collect all the information necessary for an accurate report.
It eliminates the need to contact someone again before you forget to collect the information the first time.
Begin to list events/elements of the case.
Use your notepad for investigations only, especially if you are required by your agency to retain your case notes.

Other Issues in Note-taking

Using a recording device
Using dispatch
Officer safety is paramount!
Officers should not be placing their hands into their pockets to retrieve cell phones or other items when interviewing or contacting people that are involved in possible criminal activity.

The Right Way to Write

Abbreviations are best avoided in report writing, but they can be useful in note-taking.
Note-taking requires a different style of writing.
Documentation and recall play an important part in what style of writing is best for note-taking.
Good note-taking is characterized as a fast-paced endeavor which requires you to take notes quickly and efficiently.
Write notes legibly.
Make a mark in your notes when you start a new topic.
Document each subcategory of events as it unfolded.
Your writing style must be accurate and complete, while balancing your other duties.
The key to an effective writing technique is to find a balance between accurate, reliable note-taking, and officer safety.

Tips for Note-taking

Leave some room in your notes.
If you are in doubt about something, include it in your notes.
Document key words and phrases expressed by a victim, witness, or suspect.
Mechanical pencils are handy if the weather is too cold.
Summarize as soon as possible after the event, while your memory is fresh.
Try to keep things in chronological order.
Crime scene note-taking is an essential element in preparing your case report.
Your notes are the first step in completing a professional case report.
It is essential to organize your actions and the facts of a case into a logical and comprehensive outline.
Break down the information in your field notes into logical categories of manageable size.
Use clear and concise words whenever possible.
Use good penmanship.
Leave personal information of yours out of your notebook.
Number the pages of your notebook.
Use some type of organizational method.
Your notebook is a permanent record.