Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

If you make an error in the address on your field notes, what should you do?

1. Rewrite the entire note

2. Leave it unchanged

3. One line cross out and initial

4. Ignore the mistake

The correct answer is: One line cross out and initial

The appropriate action when you make an error in the address on your field notes is to cross it out with a single line and initial it. This method provides a clear record of the mistake while ensuring that the original information can still be verified if needed. By crossing out the error and initialing it, you maintain a professional standard and demonstrate accountability in your record-keeping. This practice is important in law enforcement and other professional fields, as accurate documentation is critical for maintaining the integrity of reports and ensuring clarity in communication. Rewriting the entire note is unnecessary and can lead to confusion if not done carefully, while leaving it unchanged or ignoring the mistake entirely compromises the accuracy and reliability of the records. Therefore, the correct action helps maintain the document's credibility and provides a straightforward method of correcting errors while preserving the integrity of the original notes.