I would document how it actually happened.
I would document that my partner found the knife during the search.
I would do something different.
I would approach the concern with the partner in the hope that they would learn to show more caution and thoroughness in the future. As to lying about how the knife was found, not a chance! It is not worth the fallout. If questions arise after the fact, answer them truthfully, but I would not go out of my way to tell others about it.
"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it."
Couple issues:
1) Your partner was sloppy / reckless in a way that endangered your lives. Yes, nothing happened, but the situation is serious.
2) Your partner is asking you to lie and document a lie. This will come up in court, and eventually sworn testimony.
3) It says your partner is young.
Document how it happened, or don't even document how the knife was found. Just state a knife was found on the suspect in the report. End of story, unless if asked, at which point tell the truth and let your partner know you will tell the truth.
I'm assuming this is a rookie here, and I'd have to talk to him and if I'm not happy with his attitude / response, get a more senior officer, or even notify a sergeant. I'd do my best not to rat out his actions and conduct, but we really can't have dangerously sloppy officers who are willing to tell lies. If he is willing to make up a lie about this, what other situations would he do so in?
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