What Is a Police Log?

A police log is a report of all the crime and police activities in the area, and it is usually used to create a report of crime that is published in local area newspapers to alert residents and the public to the crimes that have occurred. These logs include both minor and major crimes, from shoplifting and simple juvenile assaults all the way to child abuse, rape and murder. Most police stations release the information to the media through their news or media departments. The crimes are taken from the police transmission logs, which outlines crimes and the activity of the officers involved.

History

Police logs were started to keep a record of all the police activity during a shift. With the use of radios, computers, and the 911 phone system these logs became more complex and important. Every time a call comes in, an officer is dispatched, or there is any communication between the police department, police officers, and the population concerning a crime, it will show up in the police transmission log. In the last decade or two it has become common for newspapers to receive crime reports developed by using the police log, and many criminal defense attorneys have used police logs to show errors, omissions and lies in the testimony of unethical police officers.

Significance

Police logs can be an important piece of evidence, in both criminal and civil trials. These logs provide an outline of the events as they happen, and show exactly who was dispatched, the time they received the dispatch, when the officers arrived on the scene, and all other communications and activities during any event or emergency. These logs will show exactly what happened any time 911 is called or officers were dispatched to a location, and unlike human witnesses the story and timeline of this witness does not change.

Uses

Police logs have many uses. These logs are used in court cases, both criminal and civil, to show a judge or jury exactly what occurred, who was present, and what any police actions were taken. Many defense attorneys have used police logs to impeach witnesses and law enforcement officials who are guilty of misconduct and who have lied to cover up what really happened and protect their jobs. Police logs are also used to help compile crime reports for the area media, so citizens are aware of what criminal activity is occurring in their area.

Interesting Facts

When police misconduct is suspected, as in the case of Christopher Bollyn and numerous other individuals, police logs can provide evidence of these facts, or the logs can show otherwise. News police crime reports are based on these logs, and at times excerpts from these logs are quite amusing. These reports normally report every crime, and many talk show hosts use parts of these reports to show just how absurd some crimes and criminals can be.

Summary

Police logs play an important role in prosecuting criminals, protecting citizens against police misconduct, and publishing crimes that have occurred in area newspapers. These logs provide an outline of exactly what occurs, which officers and individuals are at the location, and what actions were taken by each individual. These logs are public records and normally can be reviewed by anyone, but the name of any victims are usually removed or blacked out.