When is the use of slang and profanity deemed appropriate in a police report?

The use of slang and profanity is deemed appropriate in a police report when it is included in direct quotations. This is because direct quotations aim to accurately reflect the words and expressions used by individuals at the scene of an event. Including slang or profanity in this context helps to preserve the authenticity of a person's statement, providing a clearer picture of their emotional state or the severity of the situation.

While the other contexts, such as general descriptions or summarizing events, require a professional and formal tone to ensure clarity and maintain the integrity of the report, direct quotations serve to convey verbatim what was said. This can be particularly important for legal and investigative purposes, where the nuances of language may carry significant weight in understanding the context of a situation.