Why is it important for security guards to document incidents?

Documenting incidents serves several critical purposes, primarily ensuring that there is an accurate account of events that can be referred to later, especially in legal and insurance contexts. When incidents occur, the details—such as what happened, when, where, and who was involved—must be recorded precisely. This documentation can be crucial if the incident leads to legal action or if an insurance claim arises. Courts and insurance companies often require concrete evidence, and well-documented accounts help establish the facts surrounding an incident.

Good documentation supports the security guard's narrative and can serve as an official record that protects both the guard and their employer. Moreover, thorough records can help identify patterns of behavior or repeated incidents, allowing for proactive security measures to be put in place.

While keeping a personal log may seem beneficial, it does not fulfill the necessary requirements for official reports. Reporting unrelated incidents to other employees might cause confusion rather than provide clarity, and sharing details with the public can lead to privacy concerns and potential breaches of confidentiality. Therefore, the focus must remain on creating accurate, factual records for legal and insurance purposes.