How should you document deviations from standard transport procedures?

• A. Write an incident report detailing what deviated, why, who approved, times, and immediate corrective actions; have supervisor review.
• B. Delete the deviations from the record to avoid scrutiny.
• C. Note deviations verbally only, no written record.
• D. Inform only the arrestee's counsel.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is to keep an accurate, auditable record whenever transport procedures aren’t followed. Documenting deviations means preparing an incident report that specifies exactly what deviated, why it happened, who approved the deviation, the relevant times, and the immediate corrective actions taken, and then having a supervisor review the report. This creates a clear chain of accountability, supports safety and compliance, and provides a defensible record in case questions arise later. Deleting deviations erases evidence and can lead to liability; noting deviations verbally only leaves no durable record and is easy to miscommunicate; informing only the arrestee’s counsel bypasses agency policy and prevents proper internal review of the incident.