Passive Voice in Police Reports: Balancing Objectivity and Accountability

This study examines the use of passive voice in Philippine police accomplishment reports, analyzing its frequency, functions, and implications. Passive constructions appear in 69% of sentences, predominantly in sections on operations and confiscations. They enhance objectivity by emphasizing actions and outcomes while depersonalizing agents, aligning with institutional neutrality. However, this can obscure accountability and clarity in critical scenarios. Influenced by cultural norms and Philippine English conventions. The passive voice reflects hierarchical and collective values. While supporting professionalism, it risks bureaucratic opacity. Recommendations include strategic training, guidelines for clarity, and audits to strike a balance between transparency and accountability in police reports. Keywords : depersonalization, forensic discourse, institutional language, legal communication, procedural reporting