National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST / Stanard & Associates POST) Writing Skills Syllabus

Besides chronological, name two other logical orders writing can follow.

Spatial order (describing a scene by physical location/direction) and order of importance (most-to-least or least-to-most significant).

Why is correct sequencing critical in an incident report?

Out-of-order events confuse readers, can create apparent contradictions, and may undermine the report's credibility in court.

What is a transition, and what does it do for a paragraph?

A transition is a word or phrase that connects ideas and signals their relationship, guiding the reader smoothly from one sentence or paragraph to the next.

Give transition words that signal time/sequence.

First, next, then, after, before, meanwhile, finally, subsequently, at approximately [time].

Give transition words that signal cause and effect.

Because, therefore, consequently, as a result, since, thus.

Give transition words that signal contrast.

However, but, although, in contrast, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet.

What is coherence in writing?

The quality of all sentences and ideas connecting logically so the whole passage flows as a unified, understandable whole.

How do transitions contribute to coherence?

They explicitly show relationships (time, cause, contrast, addition) between ideas, preventing abrupt jumps and helping the reader follow the logic.

What is a topic sentence?

The sentence—usually first in a paragraph—that states the paragraph's main idea and tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

What is a supporting sentence?

A sentence that develops the topic sentence with details, facts, examples, or explanation that prove or elaborate the main idea.

What is the typical structure of a well-built paragraph?

A topic sentence stating the main idea, followed by supporting sentences with details/evidence, and often a concluding or transition sentence.

What is the principle of paragraph unity?

Every sentence in a paragraph should relate to and support its single topic sentence; unrelated ideas belong in a separate paragraph.

How do you decide when to start a new paragraph in a report?

Start a new paragraph when you shift to a new idea, a new phase of events, a new location, or a new person's actions/statement.

What does it mean to write factually in a police report?

Recording only what was directly observed, heard, or verified—measurable, verifiable information—without assumptions or interpretation.

What is the difference between fact and opinion in report writing?

A fact is verifiable and observed ('The driver's speech was slurred'); an opinion is a personal judgment ('The driver was drunk'). Reports should state facts and let conclusions follow from them.

What does objective writing mean, and why is it required in reports?

Objective writing is free of personal bias, emotion, and assumption. It is required so the report is credible, fair, and admissible as an accurate record.

How should an officer document a witness's claim to keep writing objective?

Attribute it: 'The witness stated that...' or use quotation marks for exact words, rather than presenting the claim as established fact.

What is an inference, and how should it be handled in factual writing?

An inference is a conclusion drawn from facts. Avoid stating inferences as facts; report the underlying observations (e.g., 'odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes') instead of the conclusion.

Why should loaded or emotionally charged language be avoided in reports?

Words like 'thug' or 'obviously lying' inject bias, undermine objectivity, and can damage the report's credibility and the officer's testimony.

What are the standard core questions an incident report must answer?

The 5 Ws and H: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

What information typically belongs in the opening of an incident report?

How/when the officer became involved—date, time, location, dispatch/call details, and the officer's arrival—setting the scene before the narrative.

In what point of view and tense is an incident report narrative usually written?

First person ('I responded...') and past tense, describing events in the order they occurred.

What is the recommended structure (flow) of an incident report narrative?

Chronological: notification/dispatch, arrival/observations, actions taken and statements, evidence collected, and disposition/outcome.

Why should each person in a report be fully identified at first mention?

To eliminate ambiguity—give full name and role at first mention, then refer consistently—so the reader always knows who is being discussed.

What does 'accuracy' require in a police report?

That every detail—names, dates, times, locations, descriptions, and quotations—is correct and matches the facts, with no errors or exaggeration.

Why is specific detail (rather than vague description) essential in reports?

Specifics ('a 6-foot male in a red jacket') allow identification and verification, while vague terms ('a tall guy') are useless for investigation and court.

How should times and measurements be recorded for accuracy?

Precisely—exact clock times (e.g., 'at approximately 2215 hours'), exact distances, heights, and quantities rather than rounded guesses.

When recording a suspect description for accuracy, what details should be included?

Height, weight, build, age, race/ethnicity, hair, eyes, clothing, scars/marks/tattoos, and any distinguishing features—observed, not assumed.

Why must quotations of statements be recorded exactly in a report?

Exact wording ('verbatim' in quotation marks) preserves accuracy, captures admissions or threats precisely, and stands up under legal scrutiny; paraphrasing risks distortion.

What is the relationship between brevity and completeness in report writing?

A good report is concise yet complete—eliminate wordiness, but never omit facts needed to fully and accurately document the incident.