Just the Facts: Investigative Report Writing, 5th edition

• The flexible, proven, user-friendly methodology is easy to understand and use, and can be applied in investigating any type of crime, no matter how complex the case. The versatile approach helps students start reporting successfully even if they have little experience or comfort with writing.
• Integrated coverage of the investigative and report writing processes reflects the realities of law enforcement work. The integrated presentation shows how both critical processes are linked in real life.
• A wide variety of investigative contexts include crime reports, arrest reports, writing interviews, writing search warrants, and more. Far-reaching coverage prepares students to write effective reports in any investigative role or scenario.
• Numerous examples of specific reports appear throughout the book to model effective report writing techniques. The reports enable students to learn from high-quality examples.

Each chapter is devoted to a major component of the report writing process

• REVISED: Chapter 1, Investigation Basics, gives students context and perspective to motivate their learning. An expanded section on Administrative Investigations is now included.
• An entire chapter on the rules of narrative writing provides the framework for writing good investigative narratives and how to overcome spelling problems. This chapter will give any investigator the skills to write effective reports.
• UPDATED: Chapter 3, Note Taking, now includes a discussion about, and examples of, Field Interview Cards along with photos of Field Note Books showing how to organize them and what information to include.
• EXPANDED: Chapter 5, Crime Reports, has an expanded section on Modus Operandi and includes a guide to various Methods of Operation.
• REVISED: Chapter 6, Arrest Reports, has been revised and now includes an expanded discussion of the importance of Probable Cause and examples of how it can be documented.
• A complete chapter on writing interviews prepares students to successfully perform and report upon interviews with suspects, witnesses, and other persons of interest. The chapter covers the interview process, including verbal and nonverbal cues, the need for preparation, how and when to conduct interviews, and Miranda admonishments.
• UPDATED: Chapter 8, Writing Search Warrants, has been revised and includes updated examples of Affiant introductions and a completed Search Warrant as an example.
• UPDATED: Chapter 9, Issues in Writing, has been updated and includes an expanded section on Field Show ups, Live Line Ups and Photo Identifications. The chapter also discusses the importance of ethics in the report writing process.

Proven pedagogical techniques help students learn more rapidly and efficiently

• Chapter overviews, opening discussions, summaries, and reviews reinforce key concepts for deeper understanding.
• NEW: Student Learning Objectives in each chapter provide the instructor with a focused framework to teach with.
• UPDATED: Exercise sets and end-of-chapter quizzes in workbook format help students quickly build and demonstrate proficiency with each key report writing skill.
• NEW: Student writing exercises are now included in chapter 1 so that students can begin writing sooner in the course.
• EXPANDED: End-of-chapter quizzes now feature 135 questions to test student knowledge and check for concept understanding.
• Report condensation exercises help students master the critical skill of condensation through hands-on practice.
• Blank report forms give students convenient tools they can use in their own work. The report forms help students cover everything that needs to be covered, so they can avoid critical omissions.

Each chapter is devoted to a major component of the report writing process

• Chapter 1, Investigation Basics, gives students context and perspective to motivate their learning. An expanded section on Administrative Investigations is now included.
• Chapter 3, Note Taking, now includes a discussion about, and examples of, Field Interview Cards along with photos of Field Note Books showing how to organize them and what information to include.
• Chapter 5, Crime Reports, has an expanded section on Modus Operandi and includes a guide to various Methods of Operation.
• Chapter 6, Arrest Reports, has been revised and now includes an expanded discussion of the importance of Probable Cause and examples of how it can be documented.
• Chapter 8, Writing Search Warrants, has been revised and includes updated examples of Affiant introductions and a completed Search Warrant as an example.
• Chapter 9, Issues in Writing, has been updated and includes an expanded section on Field Show ups, Live Line Ups and Photo Identifications.  The chapter also discusses the importance of ethics in the report writing process.

Proven pedagogical techniques help students learn more rapidly and efficiently

• New Student Learning Objectives in each chapter provide the instructor with a focused framework to teach with.
• Updated exercise sets and end-of-chapter quizzes in workbook format help students quickly build and demonstrate proficiency with each key report writing skill.
• Student writing exercises are now included in Chapter 1 so that students can begin writing sooner in the course.
• End-of-chapter quizzes now feature 135 questions to test student knowledge and check for concept understanding.