The New Orleans Police Department's homicide reports for the years 1893-1947 are recorded in bound volumes, one book for each year. Individual reports consist of a standard form and a detailed narrative report usually prepared by the investigating officer. The narrative reports provide, in the officer's own words, a detailed description of the circumstances of the homicide as determined by his investigation. In most cases the victims, accused, and witnesses are identified by race.

The form used in 1914, for example, includes the following information (not all of which is actually provided in all cases):

• Police precinct
• Date of report
• Name of person killed
• Residence (address)
• Business (address)
• Name of accused
• Residence (address)
• Business (address)
• Location of homicide
• Day, date, hour committed
• By whom reported
• To whom reported
• Time reported
• If arrested, by whom
• Where arrested
• If escaped, in what manner
• Witnesses (names and addresses)