What should be included at the beginning of a police report?

Including a clear overview of the incident at the beginning of a police report is essential for providing context and ensuring that anyone reading the report can quickly understand the key elements of the case. This overview should include critical information such as the time, date, and location of the incident, which are foundational details that set the stage for the rest of the report. By presenting this information upfront, the report becomes more organized and accessible, allowing law enforcement personnel, attorneys, or anyone else reviewing the report to grasp the fundamental facts quickly. Such clarity is crucial because it establishes the framework for the subsequent details and findings that the report will contain.

In contrast, including personal opinions, details of the officer’s experience, or speculations about motives could detract from the report's factual basis and objectivity. Law enforcement reports are meant to be impartial accounts of events, focusing on objective facts rather than subjective interpretations or unverified assumptions.