When should a security guard fill out an incident report?

A security guard should fill out an incident report whenever they witness or respond to any incident. This practice is important for several reasons. First, an incident report serves as an official record of events and conditions as they occurred. It helps document the details of the situation, including what was observed, actions taken, and any relevant circumstances, which can be crucial for investigations and follow-up actions.

Moreover, comprehensive incident reporting can provide useful information for future prevention strategies and risk assessments. Ensuring that every incident—regardless of its perceived severity—is recorded maintains consistent documentation, which enhances the accountability and professionalism of the security personnel. This approach also protects the guard and the organization in case of disputes or legal issues arising from the incident.

In contrast to focusing on specific situations like major damage or being prompted by a supervisor, the practice of documenting every incident ensures a thorough approach to reporting and reinforces a culture of diligence and accountability in security operations. Filling out reports only at the end of a shift would not capture details promptly, potentially leading to loss of information or inaccuracies in the account of what occurred.