In the complex world of law enforcement and criminal justice, proper documentation is the backbone of any successful prosecution. This fact was recently highlighted by Rob Dhanu, a former Crown prosecutor and co-founder of Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, who emphasized how the quality of police report writing directly impacts the outcome of criminal cases. As someone with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense, Rob Dhanu understands better than most just how critical a well-prepared report is to the success of any criminal case.
In 2023, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) came under scrutiny after a report penned by Sgt. Mark Andrews, a veteran officer, pointed to significant deficiencies in report writing. The report, titled “Improving Report Writing Processes in the Vancouver Police Department,” raised concerns that have long been apparent to those in the legal profession: poor documentation can hinder not only the investigative process but also the successful prosecution of crimes. According to Rob Dhanu, inadequate reporting undermines the criminal justice system, wasting the efforts of police officers and endangering public safety.
The Impact of Poor Documentation
Imagine a situation where police officers work tirelessly to arrest offenders and make our communities safer, only to see their efforts amount to little because of insufficient documentation. This is not just an abstract concern—it’s a real issue that affects the outcome of many cases. Sgt. Andrews’ report found that a significant number of files from a 2023 shoplifting crackdown in Vancouver were never sent to Crown counsel due to poor documentation. This meant that despite arrests being made, charges were not brought forward, and offenders walked free.
Rob Dhanu pointed out that inadequate documentation is akin to “spiking the football before you get to the end zone”—a promising effort that ultimately fails because the fundamentals are not followed through. As a former Crown prosecutor, Dhanu knows that for charges to be successfully pursued, every piece of evidence must be meticulously recorded, and every step taken by law enforcement must be clearly articulated.
Why Proper Documentation Matters
The importance of report writing goes beyond the mere paperwork. It is about ensuring that justice is served. In cases of crime, victims deserve to see offenders held accountable, and society needs reassurance that law enforcement is functioning effectively. Proper documentation provides the evidence needed to support the charges and ensures that every person arrested is given a fair trial where all facts are presented.
“Without proper notes, an arrest can be rendered meaningless,” Dhanu explained. “The Crown requires comprehensive police notes to build a case that holds up in court. If these notes are lacking or incomplete, the risk of charges being dropped increases significantly.”
Former police chief Kash Heed echoed this sentiment, underscoring the point that report writing is not just about paperwork—it’s a critical component of investigative integrity. Without accurate and thorough reports, it becomes nearly impossible for prosecutors to move forward with confidence.
A Need for Systemic Change
The heavily redacted report from Sgt. Andrews was addressed to the VPD’s leadership and intended to recommend changes to improve the quality of police reports. The findings revealed that while the service provided by officers was often excellent, the documentation of that service was lacking. The VPD has since indicated that some changes have been made, incorporating aspects of Andrews’ recommendations into their training programs. However, as Dhanu has noted, there is still a long way to go to ensure that these issues do not persist and that justice is adequately served.
At Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, our commitment is to the pursuit of justice. Whether defending those accused of crimes or standing up for victims, we understand that every detail matters. Our co-founder, Rob Dhanu, brings his extensive background as a former Crown prosecutor to every case, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in evidence collection and documentation.
Ensuring Justice, One Case at a Time
If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, it’s crucial to have a legal team that understands the importance of proper documentation and the intricacies of criminal law. The Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group is here to ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves, with a dedication to detail that makes all the difference.
Proper documentation should never be underestimated. At Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, we are committed to advocating for fairness, transparency, and justice—one case at a time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.
This post is based on an article and video originally found here.Â
