What is a police report?

A police report is an official document filed regarding a crime. It serves as a formal record of an incident and is essential for documenting the details of the case, including the facts surrounding the crime, any evidence collected, and the statements of witnesses and suspects. This report is crucial for investigations, legal proceedings, and maintaining an organized record within law enforcement agencies. It provides a clear, concise account of what occurred and helps in tracking the progress of the investigation, ensuring that all relevant information is systematically documented and can be referred to when needed.

The other options do not capture the formal and comprehensive nature of a police report. An informal statement made by a witness lacks the structure and official capacity of a police report, while a paper documenting an officer's daily activities focuses on routine tasks rather than specific incidents involving crimes. A summary of preventive measures, although related to law enforcement, does not fulfill the role of documenting crimes and their specifics, which is the primary purpose of a police report.