Capitalization Rules

IN BRIEF:
Capitalize proper nouns. When in doubt, don't capitalize.

Rule:

When to capitalize:

1. The first word of a sentence

   • The officer completed the report on time.

2. Proper nouns (specific names of people, places, or things)

   • Chief Ramirez, Chicago Police Department, Supreme Court

3. Official titles when used before a name

   • Sergeant Davis arrived first on the scene.

   • But: Davis, a sergeant, arrived first on the scene.

4. Acronyms and abbreviations

   • FBI, DOJ, CPR

5. Important documents and reports (but not general references)

   • The officer filed an Incident Report.

   • But: The officer filed a report about the incident.

When to avoid capitalization:

• Common nouns and job titles when not used as a formal name

  • Correct: The sergeant reviewed the case.

  • Incorrect: The Sergeant reviewed the case.

• Directions (unless part of a proper noun)

  • The suspect ran north on Main Street.

  • But: He traveled to North Dakota.

• Seasons

  • Correct: The training session is scheduled for spring.

  • Incorrect: The training session is scheduled for Spring.

Quick Trick

If it’s a specific name, title, or formal designation, capitalize it. If it’s a general reference, keep it lowercase.

Practice

Decide which words need capitalization:

1. The (mayor/Mayor) met with the police chief.

2. The investigation was handled by (Detective/detective) Saunders.

3. We moved (West/west) to search for the suspect.

4. The officer filled out a (Use of Force/use of force) report.

Answers:

1. The mayor met with the police chief. (General reference)

2. The investigation was handled by Detective Saunders. (Title before a name)

3. We moved west to search for the suspect. (Directions are not a proper noun)

4. The officer filled out a Use of Force report. (Formal document name)