Why is it important for field notes to be clear?

Clear field notes are crucial for several reasons, particularly because they ensure that you, as the note-taker, can read and understand the content even after a significant passage of time, such as weeks, months, or years later. When dealing with security matters, accurate recall of details can be essential for reporting incidents, testifying in court, or conducting follow-up investigations. If notes are unclear or illegible, important details can be forgotten or misinterpreted, which could compromise the integrity of your account or the effectiveness of any follow-up actions.

While the clarity of notes may also assist others in acting on the information and be crucial for legal proceedings, the primary reason for your own ability to understand them later underscores the necessity of clear documentation in the field. This capability strengthens your reliability and professionalism as a security guard.