In this episode, Dave and Steve dive into one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of police work: report writing. A report can not only make or break a criminal case, but it can also impact an officer’s entire career.

They share mistakes they’ve witnessed over the years and explain how something written today can come back to haunt an officer years later in court. They break down what makes a strong report, why it still matters even with body cameras, and why reports must make sense to everyone in the criminal justice system, not just fellow officers.

They reflect on how report writing has evolved, from the old days of “observed drunk, stopped drunk, and arrested drunk” to today’s AI-assisted report writing programs.

At the end of the day, police officers owe it to themselves, the system, and the public they serve to get the facts right, document the truth, and keep the record clear. Arresting someone means taking away their freedom, a serious responsibility that must be handled with the utmost care and supported by thorough documentation. That’s why solid, accurate report writing is not just paperwork, it is a cornerstone of the job.

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