In what voice should police reports generally be written?

Writing police reports in the first person active voice is essential because it allows the officer to convey their observations and actions directly and clearly. This voice emphasizes the officer as the subject performing the action, which enhances the clarity and immediacy of the report. For example, using "I observed" or "I took" provides a straightforward account of what occurred, making it easier for readers, such as supervisors, other law enforcement agencies, or the judicial system, to understand the events as articulated by the officer involved.

In contrast, the other voices can create ambiguity or detachment in the report. The second person voice, which addresses the reader directly, is not suitable for formal report writing because it shifts focus away from the objective recounting of events. The third person passive voice complicates the narrative by removing the subject's agency—actions may seem less direct or even unclear, which is not ideal for a report that needs to convey facts reliably. Finally, the first person passive voice also removes clarity because it focuses on the actions being done to the writer rather than what the writer did, which detracts from the author's responsibility and perspective in the events described. Thus, the first person active voice is optimal for ensuring a clear, factual, and concise account in