Writing Better Police Reports: Probable Cause

by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.

Writing Better Police Reports: Probable Cause

by Jean Reynolds, Ph.D.

Law enforcement officers must have “probable cause” for conducting a traffic stop or making a search.

So what is “probable cause,” and how do you document it?

“Probable cause” means recording facts that justify your actions.

Fear, anger, a hunch, a

suspicion…these aren’t enough.

The United States Constitution protects the rights of American citizens. That means…

…a judge may throw out your case if you didn’t provide probable cause.

Probable cause must be documented in every report.

If you were dispatched to a scene, “probable cause” will not be a problem. You were told to get involved.

But what if you were acting on your own?

You need to record facts that show you had “probable cause”:

You heard a scream.

You saw…

drug paraphernalia a broken window

A driver crossed a line twice.

Other examples include…•A man who’s running and looking over his shoulder

•Light and movement in an abandoned building

•A man tightly holding the wrist of a woman who’s struggling to get away

Vehicle searches require probable cause. Stopping a car for a driving violation isn’t sufficient.

Did you see the driver throw or hide something?

Sometimes behavior can provide probable cause…eyes that jump nervously from side to side.

…trembling hands, inconsistent answers to your questions.

When you write your report, be sure to include these details.

Documenting “probable cause” in a report demonstrates your professionalism…

And can result in a successful prosecution.

To learn more about report writing…

The Criminal Justice Report Writing Guide for Officers is available from www.Amazon.com for $17.95. View a free sample online.

An e-book edition is available from www.Smashwords.com for $11.99.

A free Instructor’s Manual is available on request: Send an e-mail to jreynoldswrite at aol.com.

And check out the free resources at www.YourPoliceWrite.com.