Investigation Project: Part 2 - Incident Report and Narrative Assignment Instructions

Overview

Criminal justice professionals utilize various forms within their organizations to report facts about an investigation. Those forms will vary from organization to organization. The general information gathered in these forms should be similar.

One other common form in criminal investigations is the Incident Report and Victim Sheet. For the Investigation Project: Part 2 - Incident Report and Narrative Assignment, please perform a completing an Incident Report and Victim Sheet based upon the provided facts.

In addition to utilizing forms to report investigation facts, a criminal justice professional may be called upon to write a narrative summary of the incident. A narrative summary is an objective document that summarizes the investigation in paragraph format, rather than on a form. The narrative section is a blank portion of the report that the officer uses to clarify the cover sheet information. It provides a chronological history of the officer's involvement.

Instructions

This Investigation Project: Part 2 - Incident Report and Narrative Assignment has two components: The Incident Report & Victim Sheet and the Narrative Summary. These items should be created separately and then submitted as two documents for this Module: Week.

Incident Report & Victim Sheet

Review the facts provided, including the witness interviews and the photos of the crime scene.

Based upon your review and analysis of these facts, fill in the sections of the Incident Sheet. Please note that the Incident Sheet and Victim Sheet are at least 2 papers that are contained in one document.

Fill in as many details about the crime as you can. If the provided facts do not include information to match a section of the sheet, write "Unknown" or "UNK".

Narrative Summary

Review the facts provided, including the witness interviews and the photos of the crime scene.

please Prepare a two paper Narrative Summary in current format.

Within the Narrative Summary, provide specific details about the incident in an objective manner using only the facts provided in the investigation file.

The Narrative Summary must include the following sections, providing these headings for each section.

1. Source of Activity- This section of the report is used by the reporting officer to document his/ her reason for being at the location of the incident. (i.e.: On July 2, 2018 at approximately 0128 hours, I was dispatched to 429 "Z" street in reference to a theft investigation.)

2. Observations- This section is used to describe the reporting officer's observations that led to the arrest.

3. Arrest- This section is used to describe the reporting officer's actions at the time of arrest, if an arrest occurred. In this section, the officer once again covers the justification for the arrest. (Pursuant to warrant #2018-00239, the suspect was placed under arrest.)

4. Statements- This section is used to summarize any formal statements made by the arrestee, witnesses, or victims.

5. Booking- This section is used to record the location of booking along with the charges and transporting officer, if any.

6. Evidence- This section is used to recap previously mentioned seized property and indicate a disposition of the items.

7. Additional- This section is used to record any facts that are not included in one of the previously mentioned subtitles. (i.e.: towed suspect's vehicle, passengers, etc.) HELPFUL LINKS:

POLICE REPORT INTERVIEWS

When investigating the case, please use the following interviews and the accompanying photographs. The photographs are staged and do not represent a real crime scene. You will be writing from the perspective of the officer.

Notes at the Scene

Dispatched to 227 East Memorial Drive, Normal, Virginia 12345 on April 4, 2017, at 06:30. East Memorial Drive intersects with Vaughn Road. It was currently sunny. It had not rained several days. The ground was quite dry for April. Upon arrival, the officer knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. The officer went into the house through the unlocked sliding patio door. Upon entry, the officer found the victim, Natalie Lynn Turner (DOB 3/17/1996; SSN 434-71-2017), dead on arrival (DOA) in her home.

The victim's friend, who had called in the incident, was sitting in the kitchen, sobbing. She was an Asian female.

Interview with Victim's Best Friend at the Victim's Residence

Officer:?I am sorry about your loss. Can you tell me what your name is and how you know the young woman?

Howser:?My name is Chelsea Ann Howser. I am Natalie's best friend. Officer:?Do you livehere?

Howser:?No, not anymore. I used to live with Natalie. I just moved out of the condo a few weeks ago. Now I live right up the road on Daughtery Road, 319 to be exact, in Normal, Virginia 12345.

Officer:?How long did you live with Natalie? Howser:?About 2 years.

Officer:?What is your birthdate? Howser:?July 2,1995

Officer:?What is your Social Security Number? Howser:?490-22-2999

Officer:?What is your phone number? Howser:?434-200-3410

Officer:?Where do you work?

Howser:?I'm currently a law student at the local law school. I'm unemployed right now. I have to get through school first.

Officer:?Do you know what Natalie's phone number is? Howser:?Sure. It is434-288-1920.

Officer:?Where did Natalie work?

Howser:?She worked at the Espresso Caf downtown Normal, 22 Grand Street. She made the best chai latte in town.

Officer:?Do you know what that phone number is?

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Howser:?No, I typically text her if I need to get in touch with her while she is at work.

Officer:?What brought you by so early this morning?

Howser:?I came by to pick up Natalie to go for a run. We run a few days a week together. Typicallyshe is right on time, waiting out in front of her place. She was not out front this morning, andwould not reply to my texts. So, I went inside. Surprisingly, the sliding door in back was unlocked. We never used that door when I livedhere.

Officer:?When was the last time you talked with Natalie? Howser:?Last night, around 8:30 p.m.

Officer:?What did you talk about?

Howser:?We didn't talk for too long. We set up our run for today, but then Nat said that she had to go because someone was at the front door.

Officer:?Do you know about Natalie's mental state?

Howser:?She has been bipolar for years. She is good when she is on her medication. Officer:?Was she eversuicidal?

Howser:?Not to my knowledge. Officer:?Were youclose?

Howser:?Very. We have been through a lot. We've been best friends for 15 years. Officer:?Do you know someone named Zack?

Howser:?Zack Cain? Yes, a little bit. Officer:?How do you know Zack Cain?

Howser:?He and Natalie were dating. I met him several times before I moved out. Officer:?Tell me about Natalie's relationship with Zack.

Howser: They discovered each other online, and have been communicating back and forth since last year. They met in person about four weeks ago, and have been spending a lot of time together ever since.

Officer:?Where do they spend their time?

Howser:?Typically they come over to Nat's condo in the late morning. They did not go out on the town too much, Zack tends to work until late.

Officer:?Where does Zack work? Howser:?At Best Auto Parts

Officer:?Where is Best Auto Parts located? Howser: It is in Normal. Only one location. Officer:?Tell me more aboutZack

Howser: Zack is a pretty quiet guy. He used to be in the Coast Guard, but he was discharged. Not sure why. Nat mentioned something about a drug issue. He seems like a nice, clean cut military guy though.

Officer:?Was Zack abusive to Natalie?

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Howser:?No, of course not. I mean, Nat said that Zack would raise his hand to scare her every now and then, but I don't think he ever hit her. Well...at least I don't think so.

Officer:?Were Natalie and Zack still dating when shepassed?

Howser:?No. Natalie broke up with Zack last week. She didn't want to see him anymore. He was a bit too controlling. Their relationship had been 'emotionally draining' Nat said. [staring off into the distance].

Officer:?What do you... [Howser interrupts].

Howser:?[Hysterical] That's it; he did this. He said he would never let anyone else have her!

Officer:?Now, now, calm down. Who is "he"?

Howser:?No, I can't believe this...it was Zack [begins to sob]. Officer:?We can continue this later...

While at the scene, the officer took a few pictures of the victim. These photographs are attached to the investigation file. The officer also discovered a note that was written on the laptop situated in front of the victim. The contents of the note are contained in an attachment to the investigation file.

Before leaving the home, the officer sealed and tagged the victim's IBM Thinkpad (Serial Number 05A5439) and the pills for evidence.

The officer left the home, and found a brown leather wallet on the back step hidden slightly under the bushes. The wallet had an ID inside of it for Zachary Allen Cain. Mr. Cain's Social Security card was also inside the wallet: SSN: 333-22-4444. His picture shows that he has light colored skin and green eyes.

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Interview with Co-Worker at Best Auto Parts

Officer:?What is your name?

Whatley:?John Whatley Officer:?What is your address?

Whatley:?394 Radcliff Circle, Normal, Virginia 12345 Officer:?What is your date of birth?

Whatley:?April 3, 1987

Officer:?Where are you employed?

Whatley:?At Best Auto Parts, located at 123 Main Street, Normal, Virginia 12345.

I'm the night manager.

Officer:?What is the store's phone number? Whatley:?434-333-2378

Officer:?Do you know Zack Cain? Whatley:?Yes.

Officer:?How do you know Zack?

Whatley:?He is an assistant manager at the store. Officer:?Can you describe what Zack lookslike?

Whatley:?Sure. He's about my height, maybe 5'8" or 5'11". He is pretty well-built, not too heavy but fairly muscular.

Officer:?About how much does he weigh?

Whatley:?I never had to weigh him, but my guess would be around 180, 200 maybe? Officer:?Anything else you can tell me about his physical characteristics?

Whatley:?Sure. He is pretty clean-cut, military hair cut 'n all. He's a red head. Oh, he does have a tattoo on his upper right arm. It looks like an anchor to me, although I have not looked too closely. There are so many freckles around it, I'm not quitesure.

Officer:?Tell me about how Zack conducts himself atwork.

Whatley:?He is knowledgeable about the auto parts we sell here. He has always been pretty decent to work with. He gets straight to his work, anddoesn't share too much with me about his personal life. Kind of to himself like that.

Officer:?Has he ever told you about his girlfriend?

Whatley:?He mentioned a girl named Nat, but didn't ever tell me anything about her. Officer:?Did Zack work yesterday?

Whatley:?He was scheduled to work the noon - 10:00 p.m. shift and close down the store. He came in a bit late, maybe around 12:30, which is pretty unusual for him. Then, he left early, around 8:00p.m.

Officer:?What has Zack's demeanor been like thisweek?

Whatley: He has seemed fairly distracted all week, which is strange for him. Officer:?Ok, Mr. Whatley, if I have any further questions, could I call you? Whatley: Oh, yes, anything for the law.

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Visit to Mr. Cain's Home

Next, the officer secured a valid search warrant, opened up the incident report (#5416) and went to Mr. Cain's home located at 410 Brown Street, Apartment #812, Normal, Virginia 12345. Mr. Cain opened the door and let the officer search his apartment.

Sitting on top of Mr. Cain's kitchen table, the officer found a pair of men's black leather gloves, and a red Kate Spade handbag. Inside the handbag, the officer found the victim's ID and a business card for a psychologist. The officer took these items as evidence also.

After giving Miranda rights, the officer started to question. Officer:?What is your date of birth?

Cain:?January 2, 1995

Officer:?What is your phone number? Cain:?434-577-1234

Officer :?What is your relationship with Natalie Turner? Cain:?She's just a friend.

Officer:?Has she ever been over to your apartment? Cain:?No

Officer:?Tell me about the purse that is on your table?

Cain:?Uh, well, [looking at his watch] I really need to get to work, Officer.

Officer:?[Before the officer could ask the next question, Cain ran out of the apartment and drove off quickly in his vehicle, a 2016 Nissan Sentra. It appeared to the officer that Mr. Cain was driving south on the interstate.]

POLICE REPORT INTERVIEWS

When investigating the case, use the following interviews and the accompanying photographs. The photographs are staged and do not represent a real crime scene. You will be writing from the perspective of the officer.

Notes at the Scene

Dispatched to 227 East Memorial Drive, Normal, Virginia 12345 on April 4, 2017, at 06:30. East Memorial Drive intersects with Vaughn Road. It was currently sunny. It had not rained several days. The ground was quite dry for April. Upon arrival, the officer knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. The officer went into the house through the unlocked sliding patio door. Upon entry, the officer found the victim, Natalie Lynn Turner (DOB 3/17/1996; SSN 434-71-2017), dead on arrival (DOA) in her home.

The victim's friend, who had called in the incident, was sitting in the kitchen, sobbing. She was an Asian female.

Interview with Victim's Best Friend at the Victim's Residence

Officer:?I am sorry about your loss. Can you tell me what your name is and how you know the young woman?

Howser:?My name is Chelsea Ann Howser. I am Natalie's best friend. Officer:?Do you livehere?

Howser:?No, not anymore. I used to live with Natalie. I just moved out of the condo a few weeks ago. Now I live right up the road on Daughtery Road, 319 to be exact, in Normal, Virginia 12345.

Officer:?How long did you live with Natalie? Howser:?About 2 years.

Officer:?What is your birthdate? Howser:?July 2,1995

Officer:?What is your Social Security Number? Howser:?490-22-2999

Officer:?What is your phone number? Howser:?434-200-3410

Officer:?Where do you work?

Howser:?I'm currently a law student at the local law school. I'm unemployed right now. I have to get through school first.

Officer:?Do you know what Natalie's phone number is? Howser:?Sure. It is434-288-1920.

Officer:?Where did Natalie work?

Howser:?She worked at the Espresso Caf downtown Normal, 22 Grand Street. She made the best chai latte in town.

Officer:?Do you know what that phone number is?

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Howser:?No, I typically text her if I need to get in touch with her while she is at work.

Officer:?What brought you by so early this morning?

Howser:?I came by to pick up Natalie to go for a run. We run a few days a week together. Typicallyshe is right on time, waiting out in front of her place. She was not out front this morning, andwould not reply to my texts. So, I went inside. Surprisingly, the sliding door in back was unlocked. We never used that door when I livedhere.

Officer:?When was the last time you talked with Natalie? Howser:?Last night, around 8:30 p.m.

Officer:?What did you talk about?

Howser:?We didn't talk for too long. We set up our run for today, but then Nat said that she had to go because someone was at the front door.

Officer:?Do you know about Natalie's mental state?

Howser:?She has been bipolar for years. She is good when she is on her medication. Officer:?Was she eversuicidal?

Howser:?Not to my knowledge. Officer:?Were youclose?

Howser:?Very. We have been through a lot. We've been best friends for 15 years. Officer:?Do you know someone named Zack?

Howser:?Zack Cain? Yes, a little bit. Officer:?How do you know Zack Cain?

Howser:?He and Natalie were dating. I met him several times before I moved out. Officer:?Tell me about Natalie's relationship with Zack.

Howser: They discovered each other online, and have been communicating back and forth since last year. They met in person about four weeks ago, and have been spending a lot of time together ever since.

Officer:?Where do they spend their time?

Howser:?Typically they come over to Nat's condo in the late morning. They did not go out on the town too much, Zack tends to work until late.

Officer:?Where does Zack work? Howser:?At Best Auto Parts

Officer:?Where is Best Auto Parts located? Howser: It is in Normal. Only one location. Officer:?Tell me more aboutZack

Howser: Zack is a pretty quiet guy. He used to be in the Coast Guard, but he was discharged. Not sure why. Nat mentioned something about a drug issue. He seems like a nice, clean cut military guy though.

Officer:?Was Zack abusive to Natalie?

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Howser:?No, of course not. I mean, Nat said that Zack would raise his hand to scare her every now and then, but I don't think he ever hit her. Well...at least I don't think so.

Officer:?Were Natalie and Zack still dating when shepassed?

Howser:?No. Natalie broke up with Zack last week. She didn't want to see him anymore. He was a bit too controlling. Their relationship had been 'emotionally draining' Nat said. [staring off into the distance].

Officer:?What do you... [Howser interrupts].

Howser:?[Hysterical] That's it; he did this. He said he would never let anyone else have her!

Officer:?Now, now, calm down. Who is "he"?

Howser:?No, I can't believe this...it was Zack [begins to sob]. Officer:?We can continue this later...

While at the scene, the officer took a few pictures of the victim. These photographs are attached to the investigation file. The officer also discovered a note that was written on the laptop situated in front of the victim. The contents of the note are contained in an attachment to the investigation file.

Before leaving the home, the officer sealed and tagged the victim's IBM Thinkpad (Serial Number 05A5439) and the pills for evidence.

The officer left the home, and found a brown leather wallet on the back step hidden slightly under the bushes. The wallet had an ID inside of it for Zachary Allen Cain. Mr. Cain's Social Security card was also inside the wallet: SSN: 333-22-4444. His picture shows that he has light colored skin and green eyes.

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Police Report Photos:

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