Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

What should you do if you are unsure about a witness statement?

1. Confront the witness for more information

2. Document the statement as it was given

3. Forget about it

4. Only report what you believe is true

The correct answer is: Document the statement as it was given

In situations where you encounter uncertainty about a witness statement, documenting the statement as it was given is the appropriate course of action. This practice ensures that all observations are accurately recorded and preserves the integrity of the information provided. Proper documentation allows for a clear account of the witness's perspective, which can be critical for any subsequent investigation or legal proceedings. It also prevents any alterations or biases from being introduced into the record. By maintaining the original wording and context of the statement, you can provide a reliable source of information for authorities or other stakeholders reviewing the situation later. Other approaches, such as confronting the witness for more information, may lead to misunderstandings or additional confusion rather than clarification. Simply forgetting about the statement disregards a potentially valuable piece of evidence, and reporting only what you believe is true risks misrepresentation and undermines your responsibilities as a security professional. Therefore, documenting it faithfully ensures that all perspectives are considered and treated with the seriousness they deserve.