What should officers do at the start of each shift?

• A. Start a log documenting a chronological timeline of activities performed during that shift.
• B. Review upcoming schedules and releases.
• C. Conduct a safety check on equipment only.
• D. Immediately begin field duties without logging.

Answer: (A)

Starting a log that documents a chronological timeline of activities sets up accountability and continuity for the shift. By recording who is doing what, when, where, and why, officers create a real-time record of movements, incidents, equipment status, inmate counts, and safety checks. This handoff-friendly record helps supervisors and the incoming shift understand what was planned, what occurred, and what may require follow-up, reducing miscommunication and confusion. While reviewing schedules or releases and performing safety checks are important duties, they don’t establish the comprehensive, traceable record the shift log provides. Jumping straight into field duties without logging eliminates a critical source of documentation and could hinder investigations or accountability.