1-1 and 1-2 provide examples of DA Form 3997 entries. The form is discussed below.
(1) Heading.
(a) Write the date in the standard military date format of day/month/year (16 Sep XX). If
an automated system is in use, the date may be entered in DOD format (Year-Month-Day) using six
digits.
(b)
Give the page number.
(c) When the blotter is closed at 2400, enter the total number of pages of the blotter in the
total page column.
(d)
Complete the unit/station designation block using the SOP as a guide.
(2) Entry number. Each item entered on DA Form 3997 is given a number. The first entry of
each day is number 1, the second entry number 2, and the next entry number 3. Numbers continue
until 2400 of that day when the DA Form 3997 is closed. The first entry is "BLOTTER OPENED" and
the last entry is "BLOTTER CLOSED."
(3) Time. Record all entries in chronological sequence according to the time of notification
concerning the incident. This entry will correspond to the time entry in block 9 of the DA Form 3975.
(4) Summary of Complaint, Incident, Police Information. Data received should be a brief
account of the incident. This should contain the essentials of the report: who, what, when, where, and
how. Identify all persons related to the incident. Do not list names of juvenile subjects. In certain type
incidents/offenses (e.g., rape, child abuse) names of victims should also be protected. In the above
cases, entries will have the term "protected identity" (PI) where the name of the subject/victim is
normally listed. When approved by installation/activity provost marshals, the DA Form 3997 will show
that the entry is "restricted," plus it will show the related Military Police Report number. Example:
"RESTRICTED ENTRY - MPR NO. 10121-XX-MPCXXX." Titles of complaints usually correspond to a
violation described in the uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Incidents not in this category are
given a title which represents its general nature. Items entered for information only are so noted.
(5) The blotter is closed at 2400 hours, the words "BLOTTER CLOSED" are typed. The name,
rank, and position of the person signing the form is entered.
(6) Summary of Action Taken. Based on the data in the entry, certain actions may be required
by the desk sergeant. This block will list all notifications and time the forms were filled out and the
Report Number. Each action is recorded. A review of this column will reveal the thoroughness of
action.
1-3
MP1008
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