Why are police officers so reluctant to write up reports of incidences?

Question

In the few times I have reported incidences it always seems that unless it's a news story, the police don't want to take the time to write up a report. I feel that if you collect enough facts it would aid in solving crimes. For example, I went to report the description of a car that was just randomly following me where I work and the 2 officers listened but didn't write anything down. Since I had the description of the car with other facts, I would think that if something were to happen in the future, they would at least have some previous info to build a better case with more witnesses.

The 2 officers were just sitting together in the local office drinking coffee--it wasn't like I was taking them off patrol duty.

This was just 1 example. I wanted them to write up a report when everything was stolen from my outside "secured" storage and they just suggested going around to the pawn shops and seeing if I could find my possessions there but didn't write up a report.

I did check the pawn shops...twice, but if my stolen goods had been there it would look more credible if I were able to tell them a police report was written up for them and the date.

Answer 1

I've had this problem too. I used to be in property management and everytime someone vandalized the property or ran over the mail box, etc (it happened ALOT) I'd have to call the police and they never wanted to fill out a report. I got to know several of the officers pretty well and one of them told me it is just too much work for something not really serious to them. It sux and it's stupid and I think we should be taken more seriously by local law enforcement, esp when it comes to vandalism. I guess when they fill out a one page report for us, the victim, they have to fill out tons more reports at the office and they just don't want to do it. That's what the officer told me anyway.

Answer 2

When yo usee a crime happen, that is usually the best time to involve a cop.

If you feel you are being followed, maybe a doctor is the best person to call for results.

I bet if you actually did go to a pawn shop and found some of your stuff, then the cops would have taken an interest in your case. But if you can't be bothered to present them the slightest shred of evidence that only you can collect, then why should they be bothered?

The bottom line is they can only present the matter to the DA, and the DA is not going to have faith in the cops if they keep sending stuff that is not a winnable court case.

And if they do that, it doesn't help real court cases either because the cops will be portrayed in court as overzealous, and correctly so.

My advice:

- stop being followed by never going out
- buy a better lock on your shed and keep a closer eye on it.

Answer 3

1. Was a crime being committed? It sounds like no.
2. Was a potential crime being committed (given the information)? Again, it sounds like no.

Kepp in mind that the officers generally have a good deal of experience in deciding what would be considered "suspicious circumstances" and therefore MIGHT be appropriate for a report, assuming you have provided ALL of the information to them.

You're correct in that "collecting enough facts would aid in solving crimes..." However, departments do not have anywhere near the manpower or other resources to collect, review and store all "facts" for all potential crimes, whether or not they ever occur. Like any other profession, you have to spend the money where it does the most good.

While this is one (potential) incident, expand that to all people. Can you imagine the costs (to the population) if EVERYONE demanded that EVERY potential incident required a report and investigation. Nothing would get done because of "analysis paralysis." Taking a report on the supposition that "something" MIGHT happen in the future is not a good use of limited resources.

The next time it happens, ask the officers why they don't take a report. Sit down and discuss it with them, or with the watch commander/sergeant. I'm sure they'd be willing to discuss it with you - despite the claims of "power-tripping", etc...

Calif Deputy

Answer 4

Usually it is because they are spread too thin and the boss wants them back in the car and ready for the next call. If taxpayers want better coverage, they have to be willing to pay for it.
Some departments have trainees or reserve officers to take more time with non-violent cases .
Then you always have a few that don't like having to type up formal reports once they get back in the office. They may not get paid if it runs overtime. Or, if they witness anything, they may have to take time off to go to court over it. ......Anteater

Answer 5

Just like in ANY job, the less paperwork, the better. Cops do not like writing paperwork, I dont blame them!

Answer 6

1es mistake never go to the polices station to report incidences;
or any Copland, their is no records ,is up to them to do so.is extra work for them.they siting in the *** do nothing,and whale they relax you go and you bather them.thing you going to do the same; don you?always coll in the recording will ma records,an you are safe.they are not entrusting ,of a crime the only thing are interesting they have is to pout 25 years in the easiest way they can ,collect the blood Minny and go.

Answer 7

How do you randomly follow someone? You've described no illegal or suspect acts that would necessitate a police report.

Answer 8

They are lazy I guess. Not all officers are this way, but some are. It's sad... but nothing we can do about it.

Answer 9

cause they're on power trips and think they can be the judge of what's important or not.

Answer 10

They are lazy. I mean, come on, they can murder their wives and not get caught..