Properly-documented citizen complaints significantly reduce stress and increase the integrity of the profession.
What Our Participants Are Saying
The course was great, guides and reference materials are very useful, course information was easy to follow
Corrections, booking/processing
5-10 Years
The course was well organized and engaging. The hands on work allowed me to understand and incorporate the concepts learned in the course.
Patrol Officer
2-5 Years
This was an excellent course. I throughly enjoyed the content and feel it is suited for all experience levels within this career.
Supervisor
5-10 Years
This course simplified the steps necessary to execute and document a call properly into a reported format
Patrol Officer
2-5 Years
I really enjoyed the grammar review. I struggle a lot with punctuation. I have never figured it out even though I graduated college with a BA.
Rule #4 is my favorite. I already kind of already write in chronological order.
Using bullet points will be super helpful. I never thought it was Ok to write I see or I smelled. I always used noticed etc.
Patrol Officer
2-5 Years
This course was very helpful. I know I will use the quick reference material especially since I am new and just starting my career.
Patrol Officer
0-1 Year
Very helpful course that anyone in law enforcement career should attend.
Patrol Officer
0-1 Year
The course was great, I am definitely taking alot of great information to better my reports. I really appreciate how well spoken and clear he explained everything making so much sense.
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.