Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

When should you advise the police about witnesses to an incident?

1. When the incident is fully resolved

2. When you are making note of verbatim comments

3. When you first encounter the witnesses

4. After the report is written

The correct answer is: When you are making note of verbatim comments

The key reason for advising the police about witnesses to an incident when making note of verbatim comments is to ensure that accurate and detailed information is available for any investigation. Verbatim comments provide direct quotes from the witnesses that can be crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident. This information can help law enforcement assess what occurred and substantiate the accounts provided by those involved. By documenting these comments during the initial encounter, the security professional can capture the immediate reactions and observations of witnesses, which may be more reliable and reflective of the event than recollections that form later. This practice aligns with principles of effective note-taking and evidence gathering which are vital in the security field. It allows for a timely relay of information to the authorities, ensuring that the witnesses' perspectives are preserved before they potentially forget finer details or become influenced by later events or discussions.