MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

When preparing for a report, what is critical to do with field notes?

1. Determine what happened

2. Organize them by date

3. Submit them to your supervisor

4. Share them with other officers on the scene

The correct answer is: Determine what happened

Determining what happened is a critical step when preparing for a report based on field notes because it helps to establish a clear narrative of the events that occurred during an incident. Field notes often contain raw observations and details that, while essential, may lack structure and context. By focusing on what happened, the officer can analyze these notes to create a thorough and accurate account of the situation, ensuring that all relevant facts are presented logically. This step is not only important for the officer's understanding but also for communicating the events to others who may not have been present. It aids in identifying key elements such as the sequence of events, the actions taken by individuals involved, and the overall circumstances surrounding the incident. This understanding then influences how the report is structured, which details are emphasized, and assists in the integrity of the documentation. In contrast, while organizing them by date, submitting them to a supervisor, or sharing them with other officers may be part of the process, these actions do not directly contribute to the comprehension and articulation of the events themselves as effectively as determining what happened.