HOW AND WHEN TO WRITE AN INCIDENT REPORT
January 13, 2018
WRITING INCIDENT REPORTS
There is a great amount of responsibility that comes with working a Security Guard. One of the responsibilities you will come across as you work is writing an incident report.
WHAT IS AN INCIDENT REPORT
An incident report is a detailed/ accurate write up of an event or situation. You should be provided with guidelines on when you will need to complete an incident report. A good report gives a thorough account of what happened without leaving out any important information.
Some workplace/ employers have different protocols in place when it comes to dealing with and filing an incident report.
WHEN DO YOU WRITE AN INCIDENT REPORT?
Incident reports are the first things to be filled out because an important event took place that needed recording. It is fundamental you start writing the incident report as soon as possible. Waiting a day or two later can create confusion and you do not want to doubt yourself on specific facts (an example will be guessing the colour of someone’s hair).
If you cannot write it instantly, write down key facts to ensure you remember them correctly. The more information you have the better.
IMPORTANCE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN AN INCIDENT REPORT?
It is very important that you provide accurate and honest information; especially as a security guard. Giving misleading information can affect future employment options. Here are a few things you will need to include in your incident report:
- Date
- Time of the day
- Specific location
- Names of a witness/witnesses
As well as any other information you see relevant. The more the better.
Also describe things like:
- Why you were there
- How you got there
- Your objective
- Anything suspicious you noticed
When describing what happened in an incident report you need to be thorough and write everything you remember. Be as precise as possible and do not include things you think ‘might’ have happened, for instance, adding more to the story. Be clear with your report so that anyone can easily understand what happened.
The most important part of writing any incident report is, to be honest; being trustworthy is integral in this industry.