When are quotation marks appropriate in a police report?

When are quotation marks appropriate in a police report?

• A. Always
• B. Never
• C. Whenever you summarize paraphrase
• D. Only when directly quoting someone's exact words

Answer: (D)

Quotation marks are used to enclose exactly what someone said. In a police report, they should be used only for direct quotes—the speaker’s exact words. For statements that are summarized or paraphrased, do not use quotation marks; restate the meaning in your own words and ensure the account remains accurate. This helps prevent distortion of what was said and preserves the report’s reliability and legal integrity. When you include a quote, reproduce the words verbatim if possible and indicate any omissions or edits with standard conventions. In short, use quotation marks to capture precise statements, not for paraphrase.

Quotation marks are used to enclose exactly what someone said. In a police report, they should be used only for direct quotes—the speaker’s exact words. For statements that are summarized or paraphrased, do not use quotation marks; restate the meaning in your own words and ensure the account remains accurate. This helps prevent distortion of what was said and preserves the report’s reliability and legal integrity. When you include a quote, reproduce the words verbatim if possible and indicate any omissions or edits with standard conventions. In short, use quotation marks to capture precise statements, not for paraphrase.