Do Police Write a Report for Every Call?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Police departments and law enforcement agencies have different policies and procedures when it comes to writing reports for every call they respond to. In this article, we will explore the factors that influence whether a police report is written for every call and what types of calls are more likely to result in a report.
What is a Police Report?
A police report is a written document that summarizes the details of a police call, including the date, time, location, and circumstances of the incident. The report may also include statements from witnesses, victims, and suspects, as well as any evidence collected at the scene. Police reports are used to document incidents, track trends, and aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.
Factors That Influence Whether a Report is Written
There are several factors that influence whether a police report is written for every call. These factors include:
- Severity of the incident: Police reports are more likely to be written for incidents that are serious or violent, such as assaults, burglaries, or homicides. Less serious incidents, such as noise complaints or minor traffic accidents, may not result in a report.
- Nature of the call: Calls that involve a crime or a potential crime are more likely to result in a report. Non-criminal calls, such as welfare checks or assistance with a lost pet, may not require a report.
- Resources available: Police departments may not have the resources to write reports for every call, especially if they are short-staffed or dealing with a high volume of calls. In these cases, officers may prioritize the most serious incidents and delay writing reports for less serious calls.
- Policy and procedure: Police departments have their own policies and procedures for writing reports. Some departments may require reports for every call, while others may have more flexible policies.
Types of Calls That Are More Likely to Result in a Report
Some types of calls are more likely to result in a police report than others. These include:
- Crimes in progress: Calls that involve a crime in progress, such as a burglary or an assault, are more likely to result in a report.
- Serious injuries or fatalities: Calls that involve serious injuries or fatalities are more likely to result in a report.
- Property damage: Calls that involve significant property damage, such as a broken window or a damaged vehicle, are more likely to result in a report.
- Theft or vandalism: Calls that involve theft or vandalism, such as a stolen bike or a vandalized property, are more likely to result in a report.
Statistics on Police Reports
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, in 2020, police departments in the United States wrote an average of 12.5 million reports per year. This represents about 25% of the total number of calls for service that police departments responded to.
Here is a breakdown of the types of calls that resulted in a police report in 2020:
Type of Call | Number of Reports |
---|---|
Crimes in progress | 2,351,000 |
Serious injuries or fatalities | 1,432,000 |
Property damage | 1,242,000 |
Theft or vandalism | 1,144,000 |
Other | 6,340,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, police departments do not write a report for every call they respond to. The decision to write a report is influenced by a variety of factors, including the severity of the incident, the nature of the call, resources available, and policy and procedure. Some types of calls are more likely to result in a report than others, including crimes in progress, serious injuries or fatalities, property damage, and theft or vandalism. By understanding the factors that influence whether a report is written, we can better appreciate the complexities of policing and the importance of accurate and thorough reporting.
Table: Types of Calls That Resulted in a Police Report in 2020
Type of Call | Number of Reports |
---|---|
Crimes in progress | 2,351,000 |
Serious injuries or fatalities | 1,432,000 |
Property damage | 1,242,000 |
Theft or vandalism | 1,144,000 |
Other | 6,340,000 |
Bullets: Factors That Influence Whether a Report is Written
• Severity of the incident
• Nature of the call
• Resources available
• Policy and procedure