Report writing

Note taking is very important for security guards to maintain records of activities and information that takes place on their shifts.

Some companies issue note pads or duty books. Others keep binders on sites where the guards are working. Some companies now use electronic report writing. Duty books are to be kept legible and are vital for the purposes of court procedures and information for police officers.

Duty books are to be recorded chronologically. Pages cannot be torn out. Time, date, descriptions should all be recorded. Do not leave empty spaces between lines.

Also, this book is the property of the security company. It is evidence and can be taken by the security guard company for review at any time.

When filling out this book it is important to remember WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, & HOW when you are filling out information.

A guard should be using his note book every shift.

This will provide information later on about certain events that occurred that day.

It is arguably a security guards most important tool. It acts as your memory.

It is your responsibility as a security guard to keep your notebook safe and out of the hands of the public.

• For example, you cannot leave a duty book unattended where someone could gain access and read its contents.
• Should you make a mistake while writing in notebook, you should put a line through the text, do not scribble or scratch out the wording. Then initial it. You should only use line horizontally through the miswritten words. Do not use pencil. Use black ink only.