Communication, Reporting and Cooperation with Police and Authorities
Communication discipline
CIT communication is short, factual and structured. A useful structure is: who you are, where you are, what happened, what you need. Radio discipline means waiting for a clear channel, using standard phrases, confirming reception, and avoiding speculation. Never transmit confidential details on open channels beyond what is operationally necessary.
Reporting
Reports must be timely, accurate, complete and objective: facts, times, places, persons, actions, and observations - separated from opinion. Know the difference between an operational log (routine), an incident report (event), and a statement to police (legal document). Reports are written promptly, signed, and never altered after the fact without a documented correction.
Cooperation with police and authorities
Guards cooperate fully but do not direct police operations. Give the facts, hand over relevant evidence, preserve the scene, and follow lawful instructions. Understand that the guard may be required to report certain facts and to appear as a witness. Never obstruct, never negotiate on behalf of the firm, and never disclose client information beyond what is legally required.
Traps
- Mixing opinion with fact in a report.
- Giving a "helpful" estimate of the amount stolen that later proves wrong.
- Discussing the incident with press or on social media.
- Refusing to hand over evidence, or handing it over without recording it.
- Assuming the police will handle everything: the guard still reports internally.
Rule of thumb
Write what you saw, not what you think; record what you handed over, to whom and when.
Worked example
After a robbery, a guard is asked by a journalist for details. Correct response: no comment, refer to the firm's communication channel, and continue with the police statement.