DAF Form 445: Security Forces Report of Investigation Cover Sheet

DAF Form 445: Security Forces Report of Investigation Cover Sheet – The DAF Form 445, officially titled Security Forces Report of Investigation Cover Sheet, is a standardized Department of the Air Force (DAF) form used by USAF Security Forces to organize and transmit formal reports of investigation. Security Forces investigators and reports/analysis sections rely on it as the front cover for investigative packages involving incidents, crimes, or law enforcement matters on Air Force installations.

What Is DAF Form 445 Used For?

Security Forces personnel use DAF Form 445 primarily as a cover sheet for Reports of Investigation (ROI). It provides a quick-reference summary of the investigation, including case identifiers, involved parties, offense details, and disposition information. This helps commanders, legal offices, and higher headquarters quickly understand the scope and status of the case without reading the full report.

It draws attention to the attached investigative materials and ensures proper routing and tracking within the Air Force law and order system. Older references (such as legacy AFI 31-206) mention using the AF Form 445 (predecessor to DAF 445) to cover reports of investigation conducted by Security Forces.

Key purposes include:

  • Standardizing the presentation of Security Forces investigations.
  • Capturing essential metadata (case number, date, subjects, victims, witnesses).
  • Supporting administrative processing, evidence tracking, and legal review.
  • Facilitating filing and retrieval in Security Forces Reports and Analysis sections.

Who Uses DAF Form 445?

  • Security Forces Squadrons (SFS) — especially Investigations and Reports/Analysis sections.
  • Security Forces investigators handling misdemeanors, felonies, traffic incidents, or other law enforcement matters not immediately referred to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).
  • Unit commanders and Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) offices for review of base-level investigations.
  • Air Force personnel involved in law and order operations.

Note: Serious or complex cases (e.g., major felonies, counterintelligence) are typically handled by AFOSI rather than base Security Forces. DAF Form 445 is most common for Security Forces-led investigations.

How to Fill Out DAF Form 445?

The form is designed as a one-page cover sheet with clearly labeled blocks. While the exact block numbers and layout are shown on the official PDF, typical fields include:

  • Case or Report Number
  • Date of Incident/Investigation
  • Subject(s) (name, rank, unit)
  • Victim(s)/Complainant(s)
  • Offense(s) or Allegation(s)
  • Synopsis or Brief Summary
  • Investigator Name and Contact
  • Disposition/Recommendations
  • Attachments (list of supporting documents, photos, evidence logs, etc.)
  • Classification or Sensitivity markings (if applicable)

Best practices for completion:

  • Use clear, factual language.
  • Ensure all identifying information is accurate to support chain-of-custody and legal sufficiency.
  • Cross-reference with related forms, such as AF Form 3545 (Incident Report).
  • Attach the full Report of Investigation and any supporting evidence behind the cover sheet.
  • Follow unit-specific or MAJCOM guidance for routing and signatures.

For the most accurate instructions, always refer to the official form itself and current Department of the Air Force instructions (DAFIs) governing Security Forces investigations (e.g., references to AFI 31-115 or successor publications on law and order operations).

Official Download: DAF Form 445 PDF

Download the current fillable DAF Form 445 here:

➤ Download DAF Form 445 PDF

This is the official version hosted on the Air Force e-Publishing site. Always download directly from e-Publishing.af.mil to ensure you have the latest revision.

Tip: Check the form’s revision date and any prescribing directive listed on the document for applicability.

Security Forces investigations often involve multiple forms:

  • AF Form 3545 — Incident Report
  • DD Form 1408 — Armed Forces Traffic Ticket
  • AF Form 3907 — Security Forces Field Interview Data
  • DD Form 2701 — Initial Information for Victims and Witnesses of Crime

Consult current publications such as:

  • DAFI 31-115 (or successor) — Security Forces Investigations Program
  • AFMAN 31-201 series (Security Forces Administration and Reports)
  • Air Force e-Publishing for the latest forms and instructions

Why Proper Use of DAF Form 445 Matters?

Accurate and complete use of the Security Forces Report of Investigation Cover Sheet supports:

  • Accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions on base.
  • Legal sufficiency for potential UCMJ actions or administrative measures.
  • Efficient command review and decision-making.
  • Compliance with Department of the Air Force standards for records management and privacy.

Incomplete or improperly prepared cover sheets can delay processing, complicate legal reviews, or affect case outcomes.

Need Help with DAF Form 445?

If you are a Security Forces member, supervisor, or commander:

  • Contact your unit’s Reports and Analysis (S5R) or Investigations section.
  • Reach out to your local Staff Judge Advocate for legal guidance.
  • Refer to training materials from the Security Forces Academy or unit-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Official Source: Department of the Air Force e-Publishing Portal – https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/