Properly-documented citizen complaints significantly reduce stress and increase the integrity of the profession.
What Our Participants Are Saying
I thought this was a great course and learned a lot and am more confident in my report writing ability.
Patrol Officer
1-5 Years
Best class that I have taken about report writing. Great overall structure and good training material.
Supervisor
11-15 Years
The smart cards make the information easy for quick reference, continue to retain as best practice.
Patrol Officer
2-5 Years
The course was great and fun.
Jail Deputy
15+ Years
Lt smith organized and presented this class very well. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend🙂
Patrol Officer
1-5 Years
Great course. Should be offered to each recruit. The foundational principals taught would greatly benefit each department, when the officers completed field training.
Patrol/Watch Commander
15+ Years
The format and information presented in the class was excellent. The concepts and techniques for simplified writing will be very useful in future reports.
Working Deputy
5-10 Years
This course was very informative but not boring. The instructor kept the entire class engaged and was open to hearing different opinions and questions. The physical material I received from this class will help me with future reports and help me assist my co-workers with their reports.
I would, and have already recommended this class to others.
Patrol Officer
1-5 Years
About the Workshop
Citizen complaints are an important method by which police departments learn about and evaluate officer conduct. In this workshop, first-line supervisors will learn how to document their investigation into complaints ranging from minor policy violations (rudeness, traffic violations, etc.) to use of force incidents.
Intended Audience
• First-Line Supervisors
• Aspiring First-Line Supervisors
• Anyone who must document their investigation into citizen complaints
Participants Will Learn To:
• Determine the scope of the complaint
• Properly interpret policy to evaluate officer actions
• Document findings clearly and objectively
• State conclusions using sound reasoning
• Make recommendations about officer discipline or training
• Minimize personal biases when reviewing incidents
Agenda

Introduction & Course Overview
Understanding the Scope and Nature of the Complaint
Confronting Our Own Biases
Interpreting Policy
Documenting Findings
Lunch
Stating Conclusions
Finalizing the Document
Writing Workshop
Course Wrap-Up

// Testimonials
What our workshop participants are saying
Best class that I have taken about report writing. Great overall structure and good training material.
Supervisor, 11–15 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
The course was well organized and engaging. The hands on work allowed me to understand and incorporate the concepts learned in the course.
Patrol, 2–5 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
Amazing class, the instructor is very professional, always prepared, and very supportive regardless of your writing skills.
Patrol, 0–1 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
New methods to properly write a report. Will definitely implement these tools.
Patrol, 15+ Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
Good class. Enthusiastic way of presenting the information. The game was fun too.
Supervisor, 11–15 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
I feel more confident about writing a more organize and detail report.
Patrol, 0-1 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
It was great. Honestly, best class.
Patrol, 0–1 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
This course simplified the steps necessary to execute and document a call properly into a reported format
Patrol, 2–5 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
Great class take sooner rather than later. Extremely valuable information.
Patrol Services Division, 0–1 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
The course was great, guides and reference materials are very useful, course information was easy to follow
Corrections, Booking/Processing, 5–10 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
Excellent course. Very well thought out and organized. Instructor is very knowledgeable. Suggestion to mention that report writing starts with good questioning/interviewing/investigation, listening, and note taking. Thank you.
Police Records Section, 15+ Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing
It's was a great class, I learned how important is to write a good report.
Deputy, 2–5 Years
6 Rules of Effective Police Report Writing

Documenting Citizen Complaints (for First-Line Supervisors)
Host a writing workshop designed specifically for
law enforcement.
Whether you are training new recruits, seasoned officers, sworn employees, or civilian support staff, we can customize our workshops for nearly any audience or budget.
Tell us about your training needs and we'll contact you to discuss details.