Washington State Security Guard License Practice Exam

What should be included in a security guard’s incident report?

1. Only the most severe incidents

2. A personal opinion about the incident

3. Detailed records of incidents and observations

4. A summary of the day's events

The correct answer is: Detailed records of incidents and observations

In an incident report, it is crucial to include detailed records of incidents and observations because the primary purpose of such a report is to provide an accurate, objective account of what transpired. This comprehensive documentation serves various functions: it helps in investigations, ensures accountability, and can be reviewed for future training purposes. Detailed records can include the time and place of the incident, the individuals involved, any witnesses, actions taken by the security guard, and an objective description of the events. This thoroughness allows for a clear understanding of the situation and assists law enforcement or management in assessing the security incident. In contrast, focusing only on the most severe incidents misses important context and nuances that might be essential for a full understanding. Personal opinions introduce subjectivity, which can compromise the report's integrity and reliability. A summary of the day’s events does not provide the necessary specific details regarding incidents, making it less useful for thorough investigation and review. Thus, the inclusion of detailed records is vital for maintaining professionalism and clarity in security operations.