Briefing / 3 MIN READ
The handoff should not make the next shift play detective.
Give the next team the current picture, the unresolved work, and a clear place to find the details.
Lead with what remains open
A handoff is useful when it tells the next shift what still needs attention. Organize the summary around unresolved items rather than a chronological retelling of everything that happened. Explain the current status and the next expected step in the systems your agency uses for that information.
Name ownership clearly
“Someone needs to follow up” is easy to lose. When the workflow allows it, identify the assigned person or unit and the expected action. If ownership has not been established, say so. Do not present an assumption as an assignment or create a parallel task list that conflicts with official records.
Separate confirmed information from loose ends
Make it clear which details are confirmed, which came from a report, and which still need verification. A repeated statement can acquire undeserved certainty as it passes between shifts. Preserve source context and direct the receiving team to the authoritative record for details.
Keep the briefing layer concise
Use a brief to point readers toward the correct records, not to duplicate sensitive information across more channels. A good summary answers: what is the status, what needs attention, and where is the complete information? Ask the receiving shift what was missing and refine the handoff around their actual needs.
Use the free copyable police briefing template and five-minute example with your next shift.
Download the editable briefing template or read a complete sample police briefing.