Police Entrance Practice Exam

What is a police report?

1. A summary of ongoing investigations

2. A document outlining details of a crime

3. A record of officer training sessions

4. A list of suspects and their profiles

The correct answer is: A document outlining details of a crime

A police report serves as a comprehensive document that outlines the specific details of a crime or incident. It includes essential information such as the date, time, and location of the event, a description of the crime, any involved parties, witness statements, and the actions taken by law enforcement. This report is pivotal in the criminal justice process as it establishes an official account of the crime, which can be used for investigations, court proceedings, and as a reference for future cases. In contrast, summaries of ongoing investigations, records of officer training, and lists of suspects focus on different aspects of law enforcement and do not encapsulate the full details of a particular crime event. These alternatives serve other purposes and don’t fulfill the definition of a police report, which is specifically centered on documenting the particulars of criminal incidents.