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Differences in Report Writing Documentation
Stephen F. Hobbs Jr.
Liberty University
CJUS 231: Criminal Justice Report Writing
Professor David Conn
August 20, 2021
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As most individuals all around the United States know, law enforcement officers have an
extremely difficult job. Their daily jobs consist of high stress, physical and mental challenges, as
well as interactions that may leave a lasting impact on the officer. No matter the circumstances,
officers are expected to perform at a higher level, there is no room for mistakes within the
criminal justice field. Report writing is a task that officers are required to utilize to document
crime scene details, witness statements, or anything that may be beneficial to the case. “The
documentation that you generate could possibly be subpoenaed into a court of law” (Merson &
Morris, 2016, p. 130). In this paper, we will discuss the differences between report writing
documentation with both, misdemeanor and felony investigations as well as comparing the
differences in internal statements and external statements during investigations. Misdemeanor
and felony investigations often require much of the same type of information but also differences
such as the severity of the case, the punishment of the offense, and variation of crime committed
between the two. The internal and external statements gathered during the investigations play a
pivotal role in how these cases play out.
The severity of the Cases
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Crimes
Felony crimes are much more significant compared to misdemeanor crimes, but all cases
should be taken with the same seriousness. Both misdemeanor and felony cases may involve
people or property, but it depends on how serious of a crime that has occurred to determine if it
will be labeled a felony or misdemeanor. For instance, if a cheap pair of sandals were stolen it
would be classified as a misdemeanor but if a credit card was stolen and used, it would be
classified as a felony. The same applies to crimes involving people. Misdemeanor assault may
consist of an individual getting slapped by another without significant bodily harm. Felony
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assault involves significant bodily harm or worse. According to Merson and Morris (2016), it is
important to realize which class the misdemeanor investigation may fall under, along with the
specific state’s rules or regulations regarding a particular class as they may vary from state to
state.
Requirements for Investigation of Misdemeanor & Felonies
Typically, misdemeanor and felony investigations will require much of the same
information. The common information will consist of the basic information required for all
investigations such as, who, when what, how, etc. It is important officers ask logical questions to
gather important details of the case before getting further into the crimes committed. For both
felony and misdemeanor investigations, when documenting stolen or damaged items, serial
numbers, receipts, photographs, or any distinguishing characteristics will be beneficial to the
investigation. If either of these investigations ever involves an individual being physically
harmed, photographs and details involving the medical treatment will be beneficial to the case.
Properly documented bodily harm is always extremely important to the case. Oftentimes, officers
advise the victims of these incidents to contact them a few days later to come further photograph
the injuries as they may appear worse. Victims are also advised to seek additional medical care,
if necessary, this will all be considered against the suspect in court. Attention to detail is vital
during investigations, particularly involving crimes that are potentially misdemeanor or felony-
level crimes. A small error by the officer may determine if the suspect is found guilty or
innocent.
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Punishment of the Offense
According to Merson and Morris (2016), any offenses that require an individual to serve
a year or longer in a state penitentiary system compared to misdemeanor crimes where the
maximum penalty will be 12 months of jail time or less. The determining factor of the
punishment regarding theft crimes or assault crimes will usually depend on the state laws that the
crimes committed to. Different states have their laws regarding different crimes. A misdemeanor
in one state may not be considered a misdemeanor in another. When a theft occurs, usually the
volume that is stolen, along with the total price will determine if the crime will be considered a
felony or misdemeanor. With crimes involving physical altercations, the physical, emotional, or
mental damage that is caused by the physical altercation will determine the severity of the
charge. Not only do these crimes bring an incarceration requirement, but they also bring
penalties and fines that must be paid. Officers must be sure to document proper notes,
statements, or photographs during the investigation. According to Merson and Morris (2016),
documenting felony theft crimes will be practically identical to documenting misdemeanor theft
crimes, the only exception is the monetary value of the property. Whenever a law enforcement
officer reports to the scene to document any type of crime, they should always pay close
attention to detail to their work, doing the small things right will cause the big things to follow.
“Always remember, effective criminal prosecution starts the moment the first officers arrive on
scene” (Spraggs, 2006, para. 3).
Variation of Crime Committed
During this paper, I have primarily been comparing the two crimes of theft and assault on
a misdemeanor and felony level. It is important to note many crimes determine whether it is a
misdemeanor or felony. Misdemeanor crimes are the less serious crimes compared to those
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felonies. These crimes may consist of reckless driving, driving while under the influence of
drugs or alcohol, disorderly conduct, or public intoxication. While felony crimes are much more
serious offenses, they may consist of rape, arson, murder, burglary, or kidnapping. Though the
misdemeanor and felony crimes may consist of the same type of crimes occasionally, it is
important that the majority of the time, they involved completely different things. Officers
should stay up to date in their training, constantly working on their documentation skills so their
reports are always up to standard.
Internal and External Statements
Officers are required to gather statements from individuals involved in an investigation.
Internal statements are statements that are taken from individuals who are directly involved in
the case. Internal statements are usually statements gathered from the suspect, victim or any
other individuals who were directly involved in the crime. External statements are statements
that are gathered from an outside source. These statements may be taken from a neighbor, family
member, or any other personal who did not directly witness the crime take place. External
statements are usually statements that do not provide exact insight on what occurred at the crime
scene, but important details regarding the atmosphere or the "norm" give law enforcement
officers a better understanding of the scenario.
Biblical Worldview
In our country, law enforcement officers have faced heavy scrutiny within the last two years.
These officers face heavy stress, danger, and challenges throughout their daily workday to keep
citizens of their community safe. These officers who work within the criminal justice field must
realize God has a plan for them, he supports and provides for them. This scripture below is an
example of God's word that should bring a sense of peace to them:
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(English Standard Version, 2016, Philippians 4:6-7)
By maintaining a strong faith in God and living by the principles he set in place for us, we can
live a life of success. Working within the criminal justice field is not an easy career by any
means, it is important to realize that God will never leave us or forsake us, no matter how
challenging our life may get.
When officers are tasked to create reports, whether it be misdemeanor reports or felony
reports, perfectionism and seriousness should always be in mind. The information included in
these reports should be honest, detailed information that will be useful to the case. Though much
of the information documented for misdemeanor and felony reports will be similar, there will be
differences like the severity of the case, punishment of offense, and variations of the crimes
between the two. Internal statements and external statements both play a pivotal role in the
investigation of misdemeanor crimes as well as felony crimes. It is important officers focus on
the little things they can control, then the larger things will come. God bless.
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References
Bible Gateway passage: Mathew 5:16 - English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. (2016).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A16&version=ESV.
Morris K., & Merson M. (2016). Report Writing for Law Enforcement and Corrections
Professionals. [Liberty University Online Bookshelf]. Retrieved from
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780133913347/
McDonald, G., et al. (2019). Crime Scene Responsibilities for the First Responder. Justice
Cleaning House. https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/resource/crime-scene-
responsibilities-for-the-first-responder/
Spraggs, D. (2006, January 1). Crime scene response for the patrol officer. POLICE Magazine.
https://www.policemag.com/339486/crime-scene-response-for-the-patrol-officer.
