When is it appropriate to use profanity, slang, and jargon in a police report?

Using profanity, slang, and jargon in a police report is appropriate when quoting suspects. This practice ensures that the report accurately reflects the suspect's language and demeanor, which can be critical for conveying intent, emotion, or context. Using the suspect's own words preserves the authenticity of their statements and provides a clear and accurate record of what was said.

Maintaining integrity in the report is crucial for legal processes and court proceedings, where the exact phrasing can be important for understanding the suspect's mindset or the circumstances of an incident. Ensuring that direct quotes are included verbatim can make a significant difference in how a case is interpreted by legal professionals or judges.

In contrast, formal writing requires a professional tone that avoids profanity and slang to maintain clarity and decorum. Similarly, while internal communications may allow for a more casual tone among officers, reports intended for external review, especially those that become part of the official record, should focus on formal language. The goal in police reports is to provide a clear and professional account of events that can be universally understood and taken seriously in a legal setting.