Effective Law Enforcement Requires Effective Writing Skills
Course Overview
Virtually everyone in the world knows how to use Microsoft WORD®, but very few law enforcement professionals have been taught how to use this program in the performance of their jobs. This is that class. How do we write? How do we create documents within a law enforcement environment? These are the questions asked and answered in this course.
Unlike most “computer” courses, this class does not begin with a blank computer screen and “standard” toolbar. This course starts with an Officer Involved Shooting, and the need to convey the facts of that situation internally (to the Agency and its administrators), externally (to the public), and to the courts (as a report of evidence). Originally designed and created for ATF Intelligence Specialists, this course uses Microsoft WORD® to help LE professional communicate through written documentation.
Who Should Attend?
This class is designed for any active law enforcement personnel, support staff, or administrative assistants. Prior experience is not required.
Material Requirements
Students should bring a laptop with Microsoft Word and Adobe (version 2003 or higher) is required.
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Agenda
Day One
- What Did You See?
- Understanding the Different Styles of Writing for Incidents
- Outlining and Organization Strategies
- Objectivity and Bias
- Language Used in Reports
- Types of LE Writings / Reports
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Day Two
- Audience: Who Are You Writing For and What to Write
- Using the Four C's
- Common Writing Mistakes
- Using AI to Assist in Writing
- Software for Writing (Microsoft, Google Docs, etc.)
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Jody Thompson
Retired Lieutenant Jody Thompson worked with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for 16 years. He has been an instructor in law enforcement and the private sector for over 20 years. Since retiring, Thompson has worked as a technical trainer for a software company that provides records management software to law enforcement agencies and courts. He also owns Good Cop, Better Cop, a training and consulting company for law enforcement agencies.
Lt. Thompson is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on financial and property crimes in North Georgia. He has worked on complex financial and organized theft cases with the IRS, FBI, and other agencies. One prominent case involved the seizure of $3.6 billion in Bitcoin, which was featured on CNBC. Thompson received commendations from the IRS for his interviewing skills in the investigation.
Lt. Thompson leads classes on Cryptocurrency, Financial Crime, Open-Source Investigations, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Law, Interviews, and Report Writing. He also teaches at regional meetings with law enforcement agencies and local college criminal justice classes.
Before retirement, Lt. Thompson was last assigned to the Public Information Office. In addition to being the spokesperson for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Thompson led social media marketing programs to increase the department's legitimacy and transparency. He also led a recruiting campaign that increased hiring by over 50%.
Before working in law enforcement, Thompson served as a County Commissioner in Jackson County (Georgia). He was involved in significant policy changes and technology integration into the county government, modernizing the future land use map with GIS and codifying the Unified Development Code. During his four-year term, Thompson was selected as a speaker for many organizations and schools. Today, he often speaks to community members about youth leadership, senior citizen scams, and motivational topics.
Host: POLICE TECHNICAL
Location: Online Seminar 647 Ohio Street Online Seminar, 47807 Get Directions
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No recommended hotels provided.
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