Pocket Notebooks

Question 1

What are the PNB rules? (Not NO ELBOWS)

Answer 1

1. 24 hour clock must be used
2. Block letters always to be used when writing: days/dates/times/places/addresses/family names or under line family name if full name is in capitals/vehicle details/direct speech

Question 2

What does NO ELBOWS stand for? (PNB)

Answer 2

NO Erasures
NO Leaves torn out
NO Blank spaces
NO Overwriting
NO Writing between the lines. And
Statements must be in direct speech

Question 3

Is collaboration with other officers acceptable? (PNB)

Answer 3

Yes, provided that the notes each officer records are their own and contain only details they they know, or believe to be true.

Question 4

What might you record in your PNB?

Answer 4

1. Time sent to or informed of the incident
2. Time of arrival at scene
3. The time the incident occurred
4. The exact location where the incident occurred
5. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons involved
6. Names, address and telephone numbers of any witnesses
7. Details of what has occured

Further information may include:

8. Records of any interview conducted at the scene
9. Significant statements or relevant comments
10. Times of cautions given and record of any replies given
11. Descriptions of suspects
12. Details of property stolen including a value and description
13. Details of property damaged including value and description of the damage
14. Vehicle descriptions including registration numbers and damage
15. Road, weather and lighting conditions
16. Any other relevant information

Question 5

What is the standard method for recording descriptions of people? (PNB)

Answer 5

10 point description:

1. Clothing
2. Gender
3. Age
4. Colour
5. Build
6. Height
7. Hair
8. Complexion
9. Distinguishing features
10. Carrying anything

Question 6

Identification of suspects - what guidelines can you follow to support the recorded description? (PNB)

Answer 6

ADVOKATE:
A - amount of time the suspect was under observation
D - distance between the witness and suspect
V - visibility
O - obstructions
K - known
A - any reason for remembering the suspect
T - time lapse
E - errors between first recorded description and the suspects actual appearance