Effective Written Communication

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

PATROL SERGEANT

[name withheld]

[student name withheld]ENC 3242 / T. Roberts, Instructor Assignment [1] / 05 September 2013

Importance of Effective Written Communication

Our written communication speaks for us…

…when we cannot communicate in person

Importance of Effective Written Communication

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Content and Documentation

Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation

Visual Presentation

Discretion

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Content and Documentation

All pertinent details must be included and ethically presented

DO NOT cut and paste

Avoid careless mistakes

Elements of Effective Written Communication

•Were these arrests ethically presented?

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Grammar and Punctuation

•Use the spell/grammar check feature

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office DUI Arrest Affidavit

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Example-Good Presentation

Elements of Effective Written Communication

Visual Presentation

??????

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Retail Theft Arrest Affidavit

Elements of Written Communication Discretion

•Use a little decorum

Consequences of Poor Written Communication

Consequences of Poor Written Communication

•Lasting impressions are often made about the individual

Consequences of Poor Written Communication

•Lasting impressions are often made about the agency

Consequences of Poor Written Communication

Your career path can suffer…

Methods for Improving Written Communication

Methods for Improving Written Communication

Go to college

Read books and magazines Study specific publications (ie: The Elements of Style)

Keep a journal/documentation A journal can also help you cope with stress

The End