What is one of the primary purposes of maintaining field notes?

Maintaining field notes serves several essential functions, and one of the primary purposes is to accurately record events as they happen. Field notes provide a detailed account of observations, actions taken, and interactions with individuals during a security guard's shift. This documentation is crucial for various reasons, including ensuring accuracy in reporting, supporting any subsequent investigations, and establishing a clear timeline of events.

Recording events helps in creating a reliable record that can be referred back to for clarification or to refresh the memory, especially if the guard is called upon to give testimony in court or provide information to law enforcement. The spontaneity and immediacy of field notes capture nuances and specifics that might otherwise be forgotten. This primary purpose underpins the significance of field notes in maintaining professionalism and accountability in the security field.