Which feature helps ensure notes are unbiased and objective?

• A. Presenting information without bias
• B. Including personal judgments
• C. Using slang
• D. Drawing conclusions without data

Answer: (A)

Objectivity in notes means recording what was observed and said, without inserting personal opinions or assumptions. This is essential because notes are used by investigators, supervisors, and sometimes in court, so they must reflect verifiable facts and remain free from the writer’s biases. When information is presented without bias, the notes stay clear, reliable, and useful for making informed decisions, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and supporting admissibility in legal proceedings. In practice, this means documenting observable details (times, locations, actions) and statements as quoted or attributed, while avoiding interpretive language that reveals judgments about motive or character. It also means steering clear of slang and unsubstantiated conclusions. For example, recording “the subject ran the red light at 14:03, crossed into the oncoming lane twice, no stated injuries” is objective, whereas labeling someone as reckless or dangerous or inferring intent without data would compromise objectivity.