Which element is not typically included in a standard police report?

• A. Who, what, where, when
• B. How
• C. Evidence
• D. Witnesses

Answer: (B)

In a standard police report, the emphasis is on presenting factual, essential details about the incident: who was involved, what happened, where it occurred, and when it happened. These basic elements establish a clear, objective account that others can verify. Documents also routinely include witnesses and evidence to support the incident description and aid subsequent investigation.

The way the incident occurred—the method or sequence of events—is usually described within the narrative and supported by the evidence or investigation notes rather than as a separate, labeled field. Treating “how” as its own standard element can lead to vague or speculative phrasing, so it’s handled through the descriptive report and the supporting materials rather than as a standalone item.