Paper Pusher

**Sullyville** · 10-12-06, 11:20 AM

I'm assuming you have to fill out paperwork for every notable event that you come across during the course of your duties.

My question is, when do you do it?

Do you do it right at the scene while it's fresh?

Do you, or do you know of someone, who keeps it all in their heads
then does it all when they get back to the office?

Do you take notes at the scene, then elaborate on it when you
get in front of a typewriter? And if so, do you go back to the office
an hour before your shift ends so you have time to do it?

Many thanks.

**BEK** · 10-12-06, 11:38 AM

sully what is your obsession with how we do what we do when we do it. I dont mind asking some questions but all of your questions are about how we do our job whats the deal... FYI Computers not typewriters

**CountyFourteen** · 10-13-06, 04:01 AM

depends on the call.......mostly they are taken in note form then put on paper.......then records put them on computers........yea they still saying we will have computers in our cars..........

**Sullyville** · 10-13-06, 08:35 PM

Dear BEK320,

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you.
The reason why I'm so curious as to
particularities is because I'm in the
planning stages of writing a book.
(but alongside that, I've always been
a bit of a law enforcement buff).

Hopefully it'll be the kind of book that
you can pick up at a convenience store
or 7-11. It'll be about a pair of cops
trying to track down a serial killer.

But I don't know any cops in real life,
otherwise I would totally ask them.
I am a medical illustrator during the
day for a university here in town.
I lead a pretty quiet life. But I want
to get my facts straight, so the book
doesn't come out and I get all these
complaints from people because all
my procedures are completely wrong.

And as a writer, I'm trying to dig up
all these facts because it's often
important to know more about the
subject than you put into the text.
Little details matter. And so many
little details are mentioned
offhandedly within the text.

I am not trying to dig up tactical
information that can be used against
cops. I have nothing but respect for
police. I'm sorry if I've caused you
any undue worry.

cheers,

sully.

**jmur5074** · 10-13-06, 09:17 PM

Depends on the call

If it's a damage to property, or a theft that happened the night before, I'll get out of my car w/ my notebook in hand.....take thorough notes, and write the report when I have time.

If I roll up on a fight in progress, or domestic for example, I am NOT reaching for my notepad. Normally after something like that, I go back to the office and type my report right away because I have probably have little to no notes. Although, I normally audio record things with my squads digital audio/video recorder (it comes on with the lights). So, something like a fight in progress, domestic, etc, I'll more than likely have on audio at least. But I still try to write those reports right away

It just depends on whether or not I was able to write up some notes or not.

**OffDuty** · 10-13-06, 10:42 PM

At the basic end, a one sentence or so summary is typed into the MDT to "clear" the call. If a more detailed written report is made, a case # is generated via the MDT and then it is typed later.. at a location far away (also known as a hiding spot) where I can type in the car without having to worry about being sniped, walked up on and shot at, or bothered by Joe Citizen until my next call.

**Jks9199** · 10-14-06, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sullyville

Dear BEK320,

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you.
The reason why I'm so curious as to
particularities is because I'm in the
planning stages of writing a book.
(but alongside that, I've always been
a bit of a law enforcement buff).

It would have helped if you'd explained that when you started asking questions.

Contact your local police departments; they may be able to arrange ride alongs or let you interview some officers if you explain what you're doing. If you know where you're setting the story, you might contact that department as well. They may be interested in making sure that they get portrayed well.

As to when I do my paper... In patrol, I tried to do paper as soon after the call as possible, whether I was doing it with pen & paper or on a computer. As a detective, sometimes I do reports on a case daily, other times I'll do several days worth of investigation on one report. Notes are done as soon as practical after an interview or investigative action so that I forget less.

**E-man** · 10-20-06, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Off Duty

At the basic end, a one sentence or so summary is typed into the MDT to "clear" the call. If a more detailed written report is made, a case # is generated via the MDT and then it is typed later.. at a location far away (also known as a hiding spot) where I can type in the car without having to worry about being sniped, walked up on and shot at, or bothered by Joe Citizen until my next call.

WOW, short of getting a CCR via MDT and typing it on the MDT we are exact. So in other words we arent that much alike but similar in some sense

The hiding spot is now in official terms, a place where we can be visible to the public to appear we are watching them. I guess behind a church at 9pm is not visible?