Which item is least appropriate to include in an incident log?

Which item is least appropriate to include in an incident log?

• A. Time and location
• B. Names of staff involved
• C. Description of actions taken
• D. Personal opinions about a patron's character

Answer: (D)

Incidents logs should be objective, factual records that capture what happened, where and when it occurred, who was involved, and how staff responded. Time and location are essential because they establish the sequence of events and help locate the incident for any follow-up or investigations. Names of staff involved are important for accountability and for understanding who managed the situation or provided further action. A description of actions taken records the actual response, decisions made, and outcomes, which is crucial for continuity, review, and any required reporting. Personal opinions about a patron’s character, by contrast, do not belong in an incident log. They introduce bias and speculation and can cloud the factual account. Such judgments aren’t verifiable and could lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or legal issues. Keep to observable facts, what was said, what was done, who witnessed it, and what happened next.

Incidents logs should be objective, factual records that capture what happened, where and when it occurred, who was involved, and how staff responded. Time and location are essential because they establish the sequence of events and help locate the incident for any follow-up or investigations. Names of staff involved are important for accountability and for understanding who managed the situation or provided further action. A description of actions taken records the actual response, decisions made, and outcomes, which is crucial for continuity, review, and any required reporting.

Personal opinions about a patron’s character, by contrast, do not belong in an incident log. They introduce bias and speculation and can cloud the factual account. Such judgments aren’t verifiable and could lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or legal issues. Keep to observable facts, what was said, what was done, who witnessed it, and what happened next.