Navigating Handwritten Statements in Security Reports

You have a statement from a person handwritten on blue lined paper in pencil, what do you do?

• A. Dispose of it and submit a proper report
• B. Ask the person who wrote it to re-write the statement in black ink and the proper format
• C. Ask your supervisor to speak to the person who made the statement
• D. Append the statement to your report

Answer: (D)

Appending the handwritten statement to your report is the correct approach in this situation. Handwritten statements can provide valuable firsthand accounts of events and may serve as important evidence in an investigation or record-keeping process. Including the original handwritten statement, even if it is written in pencil on blue lined paper, preserves the authenticity of the person's account and keeps the documentation clear and accurate. It is important to note that while formatting and presentation are significant in official documents, the content and integrity of the witness's account are of primary importance. By appending the statement to the report, you ensure that all relevant information is retained and that the person’s perspective is accurately represented. The other options may present potential issues. Disposing of the statement disregards crucial evidence and may hinder the investigation. Asking the person to re-write it could lead to concerns about the credibility of the statement or the possibility of altering original thoughts. Involving a supervisor may delay the process or complicate the situation unnecessarily, especially if the person's original statement can already be included as evidence in its current form.

When it comes to handling handwritten statements, especially in security environments, the choice of how to manage these documents can significantly impact the course of an investigation. Picture this: you’ve got a statement written in pencil on that unmistakable blue lined paper, and now you’re faced with a decision. What do you do? Thankfully, the answer is straightforward when you understand the importance of upholding the integrity of information in official documentation.

So, What’s the Right Move?

The correct approach is to append the handwritten statement to your report. This action not only respects the original account but also reinforces the authenticity of the person’s testimony. Sure, it’s written in pencil and might not fit into the glossy, formal structure that you’d typically expect, but the real magic lies in its content. That handwritten note might very well be the missing puzzle piece in piecing together events surrounding an incident.

Now, you might be wondering, why is keeping that raw account so important? The answer lies in the nature of investigative reports. Handwritten statements can provide valuable firsthand accounts of what transpired. They capture emotions, immediate reactions, and nuances that typed statements might miss. By appending this statement, you keep the conversation real—preserving the voice and perspective of the person who witnessed the event.

What About the Other Options?

Let’s take a moment to explore the alternatives—what happens if you dispose of the statement? Well, that’s a slippery slope. Tossing it out means losing critical evidence that could inform future actions or decisions. Imagine trying to piece together events without one of the key witnesses—eta, you’re left in the dark.

Now, if you ask the person to re-write it in black ink, you might think you’re doing the right thing by adhering to formatting standards. However, this could raise questions about the credibility of the statement. Is it still the same reality they experienced, or has the re-writing changed the essence? Better to keep the original thoughts intact, don’t you think?

Involving your supervisor might seem like a good idea too, but let’s be real—this could just complicate matters. Time is of the essence in investigations! If the handwritten notes are ready to roll, let’s use them as they are.

The Bottom Line

While formatting and presentation surely have their place—after all, we want our reports to be sharp and professional—nothing trumps the raw, unfiltered perspective of a firsthand witness. By appending that handwritten statement, you not only preserve authentic voices but also ensure that all relevant information is included in your documentation.

Handling this aspect of security practice not only demonstrates professionalism but also shows a genuine commitment to integrity—something we can all aspire to. So the next time you’re faced with a handwritten account, remember: it’s not just about checking off boxes; it’s about capturing truth and accuracy in the reports that shape our understanding of events. You got this!