Patrolling, Observation and Reporting
Patrolling is systematic presence: it deters, detects, and reassures. Patrols may be internal, external, vehicle, or foot, and may be random or fixed-interval. Vary routes and timings where permitted so patterns are not predictable, but always record the actual times and locations visited. Patrol technique includes checking doors, windows, lighting, fire exits, alarms, and hazards, plus observing people and vehicles that seem out of place.
Observation is a skill with rules. Use your senses, not assumptions. Note what, where, when, who, and how - descriptions should be specific: height, build, clothing, distinguishing features, direction of travel, vehicle make/model/colour/plate. Avoid conclusory labels ("suspicious man") in favour of observable facts ("male, approx. 30, red jacket, carrying a black holdall, walking east at 22:14").
Reporting must be factual, timely, and complete. A good report is written in chronological order, uses plain language, states what you saw and did, avoids opinion and speculation, and is signed and dated. Notebook entries should be made at the time or as soon as practicable, and never altered later without noting the amendment.
Traps: candidates write opinions as facts, omit times, or "tidy up" their notebook. Another trap is over-observing - staring at or following someone without grounds can itself be problematic.
Rule of thumb: Write what a camera would have recorded, not what you concluded.
Worked example: Instead of "suspicious youth loitering," write "At 23:40 a male, approx. 1.75 m, grey hooded top, remained at the north gate for 12 minutes, looking toward the car park. He left east on foot at 23:52."