New Jersey Security Guard Practice Exam

What kind of report should a security guard write after an incident?

1. An incident report detailing the facts, observations, and actions taken

2. A personal diary of events leading up to the incident

3. A verbal account shared only with colleagues

4. An employee performance evaluation

The correct answer is: An incident report detailing the facts, observations, and actions taken

An incident report detailing the facts, observations, and actions taken is crucial for documenting any events that occur during a security guard’s duty. This type of report serves several important purposes: it provides a formal record of what transpired, offering a factual account that can be referenced later if needed. Including specific details such as the time, location, individuals involved, and actions taken enables a clear understanding of the incident and supports any follow-up investigations or legal proceedings. The focused nature of an incident report ensures that the documentation is objective, free from personal opinions or anecdotal accounts, which enhances its credibility and usefulness. In contrast, personal diaries do not typically maintain the structured, factual nature required for official documentation. Similarly, sharing verbal accounts only among colleagues lacks the formal record-keeping necessary for serious incidents, and employee evaluations are focused on performance assessments rather than incident documentation. Therefore, the incident report is the appropriate and effective tool for security guards to utilize after witnessing or responding to any significant event.