In police reporting, field notes should emphasize which aspects?

• A. Personal opinions about the case
• B. Objective observations and times
• C. Irrelevant rumors
• D. Social media reactions

Answer: (B)

Field notes should capture objective observations and precise times. In the field, notes document what was seen, heard, smelled, or measured, where and when it happened, who was involved, and what actions were taken. Recording exact times and locations creates a reliable sequence of events that can be verified by others and used to support the official report, investigations, and potential testimony in court. Personal opinions, rumors, or unverified social media reactions do not reflect what was actually observed and can bias or mislead later proceedings, so they should be excluded. Focus on observable facts, conditions, and corroborated details, noting statements factually and the context in which they were given, while avoiding speculation.