Effective Date: 2023-10-13
This section provides essential insights into the fundamentals of report formatting and the responsibilities associated with creating and managing entries within our Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) system.
The MDT serves as a vital repository for a variety of reports, each integral to maintaining accurate records and enhancing operational effectiveness. These mandatory reports include:
Traffic Stops: Detailed accounts of traffic stops conducted by officers.
Arrests: Comprehensive records of arrests made during operations.
Warrants: Documentation of any outstanding warrants.
When generating reports, all officers are strongly encouraged to gather as much pertinent information as possible to ensure the completeness and accuracy of each entry. The following elements should be diligently sought and documented within all reports:
Photographs: Capture visual evidence, if applicable, to support the report's narrative.
Identification Documents (ID's): Include relevant identification documents, such as driver's licenses, passports, or other forms of identification.
Vehicle Information: Record details of vehicles involved, including license plate numbers, make, model, and color.
Gloveboxes and Trunks: Document any findings within vehicle gloveboxes or trunks, as these areas may contain relevant evidence.
Suspects (e.g., during bank operations): Provide detailed descriptions and identification of suspects involved in an incident.
Pockets: Record the contents of suspect pockets, bags, or other personal belongings, if relevant.
Bullet Casings: Preserve bullet casings as potential forensic evidence in the event of firearm-related incidents.
Fingerprints: If applicable, document and collect fingerprint evidence from pertinent surfaces.
Dropped or Discarded Items: Carefully inventory and describe any items found or discarded during an operation, as they may hold evidentiary value.
Ensuring the thoroughness and accuracy of reports in the MDT not only serves as an integral component of record-keeping but also aids in the investigative process, maintains transparency, and supports the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our law enforcement operations.
For your convenience, we strongly recommend visiting our Report Template Page, where you will find standardized templates designed to streamline and enhance the process of creating comprehensive and professional reports. These templates cover a wide range of incident types and reporting needs, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your documentation. Utilizing these templates not only saves time but also assists in maintaining a high level of clarity and detail in your reports, ultimately contributing to our department's efficiency and professionalism. Accessing the Report Template Page can be a valuable resource for all officers in fulfilling their reporting duties.