What is a brief informal method for an officer to refresh their memory about an incident?

Utilizing personal notes serves as an effective informal method for an officer to refresh their memory about an incident. Notes often contain firsthand observations and reflections that an officer recorded during or shortly after the event. This immediate recall can be more direct and personal than reviewing case files, as case files might not always include the officer's unique impressions or details they deemed significant at the time.

Personal notes can highlight critical points of an encounter that stood out to the officer, including nuances that may have changed or faded over time. This direct engagement with one’s own written account makes it a practical resource for quickly revisiting an incident, providing the necessary context without the potential for distraction that could come from discussing with peers or reviewing more extensive documentation.

While other methods such as watching surveillance footage or reviewing case files may provide additional context or data, notes provide a personal and immediate means of recollection that can be essential for an officer to realign their thoughts with the specifics of an incident.