The 49 (or "Forty-Nine") is a structured, shorthand note-taking format used by NYPD officers to record initial complaint information, witness statements, suspect descriptions, and key investigative details—often before a formal UF-49 (Complainant Report) is filed. It ensures consistency, clarity, and court-ready documentation. Core Structure (The 7 Ws) Adapt the classic Who, What, When, Where, Why, How plus Weapon/Evidence .
The victim stated that a male black individual approximately 6 feet tall wearing a red hoodie approached him from behind and demanded his wallet. 49 format nypd
LOC 123 MAIN ST – 20FT S OF ENTRANCE, E SIDEWALK Use quotation marks for direct speech, especially threats or admissions. The 49 (or "Forty-Nine") is a structured, shorthand
C/V SMITH,JOHN M/32 LOC 123 MAIN ST, BKLYN (NW CORNER) S/P M/B, 6’0”, 200LBS, RED HOODIE, BLK PANTS S/P APPROACHED FROM REAR S/P DEMANDED WALLET ("GIVE ME YOUR MONEY") W/C NONE SHOWN, IMPLIED THREAT (HAND IN POCKET) PROP BROWN LEATHER WALLET, $40 USD, CHASE VISA ****1234 ATEMS NOTIFIED, RESPONDED 1445, EDP NOTED | Abbr | Meaning | Abbr | Meaning | |------|---------|------|---------| | C/V | Complainant/Victim | W/C | Weapon/Contraband | | S/P | Subject/Perpetrator | AT | Action Taken | | LOC | Location | PROP | Property | | M/B | Male Black | EDP | Emotionally Disturbed Person | | F/H | Female Hispanic | UTL | Unable to Locate | | GOA | Gone on Arrival | P.O. | Patrol Officer | 4. Add Directional & Distance For outdoor locations, include compass direction from a landmark and approximate distance. The victim stated that a male black individual
| Element | Code | Description | |---------|------|-------------| | | T/D | Exact 24‑hour time and date of incident & report | | Location | LOC | Street address, cross streets, precinct, borough | | Complainant | C/V | Victim’s full name, DOB, contact, injuries | | Subject/Perp | S/P | Description (sex, race, age, height, weight, clothing, scars/tattoos) | | Weapon/Contraband | W/C | Type, serial, quantity, location | | Property | PROP | Stolen/lost items, value, identifiers (serial #s) | | Action Taken | AT | Arrest? EMS? Evidence collected? Referral? | Step‑by‑Step Writing Guide 1. Header Line 49 [PRECINCT] [SECTOR] [DATE] [TIME START] Example: 49 73 SECTOR CHARLIE 2025-04-14 1430 2. Chronological Narrative – One Line per Fact Use short, active‑voice sentences with standard abbreviations.