Which item is NOT part of the basic guidelines for writing surveillance reports?

• A. Full names of persons
• B. Descriptions of persons and vehicles
• C. Addresses
• D. Budget estimates for operation

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that surveillance reports should be factual records of observations, focusing on identifying and describing what was seen. A solid report includes details that help verify or later corroborate what occurred: full names when known, descriptions of persons and vehicles, and addresses to situate the events in a real location, along with times and places of observation. These elements support objective documentation and identification.

Budget estimates for the operation belong to planning and financial documentation rather than to the observation log. Including financial figures would clutter the report, blur the line between observation and cost planning, and isn’t needed to convey what was observed. So budget details are not part of the basic guidelines for writing surveillance reports.