Why should police reports be free of personal opinions?

Police reports must be free of personal opinions because they serve as objective legal documents based on factual information. The primary purpose of a police report is to provide a clear, unbiased account of events as they occurred, capturing essential details relevant to an investigation or legal proceedings. This objectivity is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal process – subjective opinions can lead to misleading interpretations of the events and potentially compromise the case.

Legal proceedings rely on accurate and factual evidence, making it vital that police reports are devoid of any personal bias or viewpoints. When reports reflect only the facts, they can be used effectively in court, as they represent a reliable record that may influence the outcomes of cases in an impartial manner. Additionally, maintaining objectivity ensures that the reports can be scrutinized and evaluated by various stakeholders in the justice system without the influence of an individual officer's personal beliefs or feelings.