Help Center

Write Reports That Stand Up to Scrutiny

Turn lived experiences into professional-grade public records.

For
Citizen reporters and the public
Credible reporting is how accountability works.
Share the good. PoliceConduct.org should be the place where great officers get recognized — the ones who treat people with dignity, de-escalate, and serve their communities well.

1. Writing your report: narrative & credibility

The observation vs. opinion rule

We do not use star ratings. Accountability is built on facts, not feelings.

Avoid: The officer was a jerk and seemed racist.

Include: The officer used profanity three times and told me, "You don't belong in this neighborhood."

The 4 C's of credible reports

  • Chronological: Start from first contact and include time cues.
  • Concrete: Describe actions (e.g., "hand on holster").
  • Citations: Badge numbers, patrol car numbers, and names.
  • Corroboration: Link video, photos, citations, or documents.

2. Responsible use of AI in reporting

Use AI as a formatting tool, not a fact-finder. It cannot remember your arrest better than you can.

Do

  • Ask AI to organize your notes into a timeline.
  • Ask AI to check spelling and grammar.

Don't

  • Ask AI to interpret laws or statutes.
  • Let AI add details you did not provide.

3. Redaction & doxing: staying safe and legal

Reports are public. Follow our anti-doxing policy to keep your report live.

What to redact (keep private)

  • Home address, personal phone, or Social Security number.
  • Officer private info: home address, cell phone, family details.
  • Bystander privacy: names or faces of minors and uninvolved people.

What to include (keep public)

  • Officer name, badge number, department, precinct or district.
  • Public location: street corner, business name, or mile marker.

4. Why reports lose credibility

Exaggeration

If video contradicts your report, analysts may disregard the entire account.

Legal conclusions

Describe the search or action; let lawyers interpret which rights were violated.

Jargon

Skip cop-speak. Use plain language: "I got out of the car."

5. Help center quick-links

Goal Recommended action
Preserve evidence Link your video or file in the Evidence field immediately.
Stay updated Subscribe on your case file for future updates.
Fix a mistake Use the Report Issue link at the bottom of the page.
Report doxing Use the Report Issue link at the bottom of the page.