For how long should field notebooks be retained after completion?

Field notebooks play a crucial role in documenting officers' observations, experiences, and actions taken during their shifts. Retaining these notebooks for a minimum of three years ensures that relevant information remains accessible for purposes such as investigations, evaluations, and audits. This duration allows for a thorough review of incidents, which can be essential in legal proceedings or departmental evaluations. The three-year retention period strikes a balance between keeping important records for accountability while not requiring an excessively long storage time that could lead to clutter and inefficiency. This approach supports both operational needs and compliance with relevant guidelines for record-keeping within the department.