What is a key reason for taking field notes?

Taking field notes serves as a critical memory aid, helping individuals recall details and observations as they occur in real-time during the course of an investigation or incident response. These notes capture immediate impressions, contextual information, and specific facts that may otherwise be forgotten, as memory can fade over time. This is particularly important in fast-paced environments where circumstances change rapidly and accurate recollection is vital for effective reporting, later analysis, and further action.

Field notes also provide a foundation for more formal documentation and can enhance the overall accuracy of reports by ensuring that essential details are not overlooked. This practice encourages thoroughness and precision when creating official documentation based on the firsthand experiences recorded in the field notes.