What should be documented in an incident report regarding radio communications?

• A. The weather conditions during the incident.
• B. The exact radio hardware model used.
• C. Call signs, times, key transmissions, decisions made due to radio information, and any issues with transmission.
• D. The personal opinions of responding officers.

Answer: (C)

Documenting radio communications in an incident report focuses on the flow of information that guided actions. Record who spoke (call signs), when each transmission occurred (times), and what was said in those transmissions (key transmissions) so the sequence of events is clear. Include any decisions or actions that were taken because of the radio information, with enough detail to show why those choices were made. Also note any problems with the radio link, such as dropped messages, interference, or other transmission issues, because these can affect response and safety and may need follow-up or corrective action. Weather conditions or the exact radio hardware model aren’t part of the core communications record unless they directly impacted the transmissions, and personal opinions have no place in a formal incident narrative.