Which step is NOT part of the basic incident reporting sequence?

Which step is NOT part of the basic incident reporting sequence?

• A. Describe
• B. Preserve
• C. Prosecute
• D. Follow up

Answer: (C)

The basic incident reporting sequence focuses on capturing, preserving, and continuing the investigation of what happened. Describe is how you record a clear, factual narrative of the incident—who was involved, what occurred, when and where it happened. Preserve is about safeguarding the scene and evidence to maintain its integrity for any future analysis or investigation. Follow up covers continuing the investigation—gathering additional information, verifying details, and coordinating with other agencies or units as needed. Prosecute, however, is a legal action that occurs after the investigation is complete and charges are considered; it isn’t part of the initial reporting steps. So the step that does not belong in the basic incident reporting sequence is prosecuting.

The basic incident reporting sequence focuses on capturing, preserving, and continuing the investigation of what happened. Describe is how you record a clear, factual narrative of the incident—who was involved, what occurred, when and where it happened. Preserve is about safeguarding the scene and evidence to maintain its integrity for any future analysis or investigation. Follow up covers continuing the investigation—gathering additional information, verifying details, and coordinating with other agencies or units as needed. Prosecute, however, is a legal action that occurs after the investigation is complete and charges are considered; it isn’t part of the initial reporting steps. So the step that does not belong in the basic incident reporting sequence is prosecuting.