Which method should be used to document a stop or incident for post-incident review?

• A. Keep only a personal memory.
• B. Record in a general log without specifics.
• C. Send a brief phone note to supervisor.
• D. Use the incident report or field notes including times, codes used, actions, and outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Accurate, detailed documentation is essential for post-incident review. The best practice is to use the incident report or field notes that record times, codes used, actions taken, and outcomes. This kind of record provides a clear, auditable trail that can be analyzed later to assess procedures, training needs, and accountability. Including times ensures the sequence is verifiable, codes reflect standardized terminology for consistency, actions describe exactly what was done, and outcomes show the result. Other approaches fall short because memory can fade or be biased, a general log without specifics lacks essential detail, and a brief phone note to a supervisor is often incomplete and not suitable for thorough review.