Observation, reporting and incident documentation
This domain tests whether your notes and reports would stand up to scrutiny. Courts, employers and the Licensing Authority look for facts, times and clear sourcing.
Observation and notes
Observation is active: establish a baseline, scan systematically, note changes and record times. Memory is fallible; write notes as soon as safe. Distinguish what you saw, heard, were told and inferred. Use a notebook and preserve original entries; do not rewrite or destroy them. CCTV can support but not replace your account.
Report writing
Include who, what, when, where, why and how; people involved and descriptions; words used; actions taken; witnesses; injuries; force used; Police involvement; and follow-up. Use neutral, specific language. "Appeared unsteady, smelled of alcohol, slurred speech" is better than "was drunk". Report only what you know. The Privacy Act 2020 limits sharing; disclose on a need-to-know basis.
Worked example
You see a man push another. In the report, write: "At 21:14 I saw the man in the red cap push the other man's chest with both hands. He said, 'Get out of my way.' I stepped between them and asked both to stop." Do not write "he was drunk and aggressive" unless you can support it.
Traps
Opinion as fact; missing times; hearsay presented as observation; late reports; altering notes; over-reporting irrelevant detail.