NOTE: This article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on December 8, 2017. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in February 2026.  

When we think about the skills required for a career in criminal justice, writing doesn’t always top the list. More often, the focus is on knowledge of subjects like law, investigative techniques and criminal behavior. 

However, writing is one of the most critical competencies in the criminal justice field because many criminal justice professionals work within large organizations and public institutions that rely heavily on written communication. From policy manuals and internal memorandums to incident reports and community-facing messaging, writing skills are closely tied to professional credibility and leadership success within the criminal justice field. 

What You’ll Be Writing in Criminal Justice 

Writing in criminal justice goes beyond issuing citations and filling out forms. During your career in criminal justice, you may be responsible for producing different types of written communication, including: 

Reports and Narratives 

When responding to criminal or suspected criminal activity, you will be expected to draft a report that documents the facts surrounding the incident, such as who was involved and what occurred. These reports usually serve as the foundation for investigations and legal proceedings. 

Clear, accurate writing helps ensure that facts are preserved, timelines are understood, and actions can be evaluated fairly. Poorly written reports, on the other hand, can introduce confusion or raise questions about credibility. 

Studies and Research 

Not all criminal justice careers exist in law enforcement. Some professionals work in research, policy analysis, corrections or administrative roles that require the interpretation and written communication of data.  

Research and analytical writing are often used to inform decision-makers, guide policy, or shape public understanding through media coverage. In these roles, strong writing skills help ensure that complex findings are communicated clearly and responsibly. 

Internal Communications 

Regardless of where you work, you’ll need to communicate with your co-workers because every criminal justice organization depends on internal communication. Emails, briefings, reports and memorandums help teams coordinate, share information and make decisions. 

How you write internally matters. Clear, professional communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and reinforces your reputation as someone who can be relied on in high-stakes environments. 

Community Outreach 

Police and emergency services departments across the country use social media as a platform for community outreach, often with the intent of humanizing their departments and building stronger relationships. Social media posts, public statements, newsletters and educational materials help departments explain their work, share safety information, and build relationships with the public. Professionals who demonstrate strong writing skills are often asked to contribute to these efforts, especially when agencies are focused on transparency and public trust. 

First Impressions and Clear Communication 

At some point, we’ve all read things that have left us scratching our heads in confusion. Poor organization or unclear phrasing can distort meaning, and in criminal justice, that confusion can carry serious consequences. 

Imagine a report that fails to clearly reflect what an officer or investigator intended to document — and that report becomes a key piece of evidence in a trial. A poorly written report could lead to a major injustice, with someone being found guilty or innocent based on a misunderstanding. 

In legal settings, writing must be precise. Attorneys examine reports closely, looking for anything that they can use to support their cases, and if your reports fail to accurately articulate the facts, that can be used as evidence to either exonerate their clients or challenge credibility of clients. Beyond legal implications, consistently poor writing can reflect negatively on both the individual and the agency they represent. 

First impressions matter. In many cases, your written work serves as your introduction long before any face-to-face interactions occur. In some cases, judges, attorneys, researchers or media professionals may rely solely on what has been documented or formally requested in writing.

Therefore, it’s vitally important that you hone your writing skills because strong writing helps establish professionalism, clarity and trust from the outset.  Not only will you gain the respect of others, but you may get the attention of individuals who can be beneficial to your career in the long run. 

Develop Your Writing Skills in Criminal Justice at Columbia Southern University 

Today’s criminal justice degree programs increasingly recognize writing as an essential professional skill. Coursework often includes writing assignments designed to reflect real-world expectations, from reports and analyses to research-based projects. At Columbia Southern University, students pursuing criminal justice degrees develop writing skills throughout their academic journey. 

CSU offers many degree programs and concentrations in criminal justice. Some examples include: 

• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice 
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration 
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Criminal Justice concentration 
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration 

These programs integrate writing assignments that help students strengthen clarity, organization, research skills and professional tone. 

Our current students have access to CSU’s Writing Center, where writing professionals can assist with APA style, academic writing, research organization and revision strategies. These resources are designed to help students build confidence and competence in writing that supports long-term career success.

NOTE: This article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on December 8, 2017. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in February 2026.