Which of the following is NOT part of the ten requirements of proper report writing?

• A. Proper documentation of your actions and observations
• B. Always proofread your report before submitting
• C. Be very brief
• D. Avoid police jargon and legalese

Answer: (C)

In proper report writing, thoroughness and clarity are essential. You want to document your actions and observations so the reader has an accurate, verifiable account of what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, and what was observed or decided. Proofreading before submitting helps catch errors that could alter meaning or lead to misinterpretation, keeping the report readable and reliable. Avoiding police jargon and legalese ensures the language is accessible to anyone who reads the report, which reduces confusion and supports clear understanding across agencies and roles. Being very brief, however, undermines this goal—too scant a level of detail can leave out crucial facts like exact times, locations, or the sequence of events, making the report less useful for later review or investigation. The emphasis is on accuracy and completeness, not on extreme conciseness.