What information should be included in a use-of-force incident report?

• A. Pre-incident observations, actions taken, justification, injuries, weapon use, witnesses, and chain-of-custody details.
• B. Only the final outcome of the incident.
• C. The weather and traffic conditions only.
• D. The officer's personal opinion without facts.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that a use‑of‑force incident report must provide a full, objective account of the event, detailing what happened from start to finish and why it happened, with supporting evidence. Include pre-incident observations to set the scene, the specific actions you took, and the justification under policy and law for the force used. Document any injuries to anyone involved, the weapon or force employed, and note witnesses or people who observed the incident. Include chain‑of‑custody details for any physical evidence to show how it was handled and preserved. This level of detail ensures accountability, supports investigations and training, and provides a solid foundation for any legal proceedings.

Relying only on the final outcome leaves out how and why the incident unfolded, which can hinder understanding and accountability. Weather and traffic conditions, while potentially contextual, do not supply the essential information about the incident’s conduct and evidence. Stating the officer’s personal opinions without facts is inappropriate, as reports should reflect objective observations, actions, and verifiable details.