Writing the Report

Introduction

This section covers the standards for writing the full assessment report.

Guiding principles

Probation officers should consider the information contained in this part, the chapter Considering Sentencing Options, before they begin writing the report.

The report should be written in language which is simple, clear and concise. Use plain English, not CPPS jargon or technical language. Although the court is the primary recipient of this report the offender should also be able to understand its content.

Avoid repeating information in different sections of the report.

Information not required for the court but essential to the management of offenders within Corrections should not be included in the PSR. This should be recorded in the offender information report.

Reference: Volume 1, Part II, Chapter 8, Offender Information Report. (Please refer to the related links section on this page).

Front page

Include the following details on the front page:

• name
• address
• age
• date of birth
• sentence date
• counsel
• offences
• presiding judge
• court (e.g. district or high) and location (e.g. Wellington)
• date of report, and
• jury trial number (if relevant).

This section contains the following topics:

• Writing the Report - Social and Cultural Factors
• Writing the Report - Offending
• Writing the Report - Motivation and Readiness to Change
• Writing the Report - Summary
• Writing the Report - Recommendation
• Writing the Report - Sources of Information
• Writing the Report - Attachments