When compiling evidence, what must investigators prioritize in an incident report?

In the context of compiling evidence for an incident report, prioritizing the documentation of damages is crucial. This is because the physical evidence of damages often acts as a primary point of reference for the incident, helping to establish the extent and nature of the event that occurred. Detailed documentation of damages can provide clear, visual representations of impacts, which may be essential for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or further investigations.

Accurate documentation helps to contextualize the timeline and the events that transpired, which can be critical for understanding causation and liability. It offers concrete evidence that can support claims about what happened during the incident and the consequences that followed. Thus, emphasizing this aspect ensures that a foundational element of the investigation is effectively recorded, which can validate other pieces of evidence collected later, such as eyewitness accounts or procedural details.