SIA Guard Report Writing

Question 1

Why is accurate report writing important for security guards?

Accepted Answer

Reports may be used as evidence in court, for insurance claims, internal investigations, and to demonstrate due diligence

Answer

Security reports may be used as legal evidence, form the basis of insurance claims, support internal investigations, demonstrate compliance with procedures, and provide a historical record of incidents.

Question 2

What key information should be included in a security incident report?

Accepted Answer

Date, time, location, persons involved, description of the incident, actions taken, witnesses, and the outcome

Answer

A comprehensive incident report includes: date, time, location, persons involved (descriptions if names unknown), factual account of what happened, actions taken, use of force (if any), witnesses, evidence preserved, and the outcome.

Question 3

When writing a report, should a security guard include their personal opinions?

Accepted Answer

No — reports should contain only factual, objective observations and not personal opinions or assumptions

Answer

Reports must be factual and objective. Write what you saw, heard, and did — not what you think happened or why. Personal opinions, assumptions, and conclusions can undermine the report's credibility in court.

Question 4

What does 'contemporaneous' mean in relation to note-taking?

Accepted Answer

Notes made at the time of or as soon as reasonably practicable after the event

Answer

Contemporaneous notes are made at the time of the event or as soon as possible afterwards. Courts give greater weight to contemporaneous notes because they are made when the events are fresh in the writer's memory.

Question 5

How should descriptions of people be written in a security report?

Accepted Answer

Using objective, factual descriptors: approximate age, height, build, hair colour, clothing, and distinguishing features

Answer

Descriptions should be objective and factual: approximate age, height, build, hair colour and style, clothing (top to bottom), footwear, and any distinguishing features such as tattoos, scars, or glasses.

SIA Security Guard Practice Test

SIA Security Guard Practice Test

SIA Guard Report Writing