North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What type of information should a statement reflect?

1. Summarized context

2. Verbatim accounts

3. Impressionistic descriptions

4. Analytical conclusions

The correct answer is: Verbatim accounts

A statement should reflect verbatim accounts, meaning that it captures the exact words of the individual providing the information. This accuracy is crucial in law enforcement because it ensures that the context and meaning of the information are preserved. Verbatim accounts allow for clear and precise communication of what was said, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation. This approach is vital when documenting statements, as it lends credibility to the report and provides an objective record of events. In legal contexts, the exact wording can matter significantly, especially in court proceedings where nuances of language can influence the understanding of testimony or the facts of a case. Other types of information, while valuable in different contexts, do not serve the same purpose as verbatim accounts. Summarized context might lead to the loss of crucial details; impressionistic descriptions can inject personal bias or interpretation, and analytical conclusions might stray from what was actually said. Hence, focusing on verbatim documentation helps maintain the integrity of the information gathered.