Oakton hosts panel discussion on police report writing April 19

Oakton Community College will host a free presentation about how to write more effective police reports that is open to the public from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in Room 1606, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

“Challenges for the Criminal Justice Community: Police Reporting” will be moderated by Oakton Assistant Professor of Law Enforcement Jim Humenik.

“Police reports are often one of the most neglected areas in police work,” Chair of Oakton’s Law Enforcement George Scharm says. “Most people don’t realize that a police report is not only a legal document but also a historical record of an event. Anyone can read the report, from a few police officers to members of the Supreme Court. It’s so important to have these documents be accurate and concise.”

The event is co-hosted by the Illinois Academy of Criminology. Special Agent in Charge of the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General John Oleskowicz of the Chicago Field Office will address the necessity of writing effective reports and the skills and training involved in the process.

Panelists also include Joseph Fitzgerald, a 15-year police veteran who has a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University. The certified Illinois Chief of Police will focus on the process involved for making department wide changes as it relates to police reporting. Pattie Banas, who developed standards for effective report writing used by more than 550 police agencies, will further discuss the necessity for effective and efficient criminal report writing. John Good, and in-service field training officer with the Glenview Police and an Oakton lecturer, will elaborate on the professional development of students preparing for a career in criminal justice.

For more information, contact Scharm, at 847-376-7166 or LAE@oakton.edu.