What Makes a Great Daily Activity Report?

Daily Activity Reports (DARs) are one of the most important documents your security team produces. These reports show what happened on-site during a shift, and they’re often the only proof your client has that a job was done correctly. 

But not all reports are created equal. So, what makes a daily activity report truly great?

1. Clear and Easy to Read

First, a good DAR should be clear. That means writing in plain language, avoiding jargon, and being easy to scan. Think short sentences, bullet points, and proper grammar. Clients shouldn’t have to guess what happened - they should be able to read your report and understand the full picture in just a few minutes.

2. Accurate and Timely

A great report includes exactly what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. If an incident took place, you should record the time, describe the situation, and list any actions taken. Don’t wait until the end of your shift to jot everything down from memory. Use a mobile app to log events in real time.

3. Photo Evidence

A picture says a thousand words. Including photos of broken doors, parking lot damage, or any unusual activity helps clients see what you’re seeing. It also gives you protection in case something is questioned later.

4. Consistent Format

Using a consistent template makes every report easy to follow. Clients will appreciate knowing exactly where to find patrol logs, notes, or incident descriptions. And supervisors can quickly scan for red flags or missed actions.

5. Professional Tone

Even though the guard writing the report may not be a writer, professionalism matters. Avoid slang, be objective (not emotional), and focus on facts. This adds credibility and keeps your company looking sharp.

Why It Matters

Clients expect clear, professional communication - and the daily activity report is your chance to deliver that every day. Great reports build trust, prove your value, and reduce liability if anything goes wrong.

Make It Easy with Technology

With Riilay’s reporting features, guards can submit daily reports in just a few taps - complete with check-ins, notes, timestamps, and images. No paperwork, no guesswork, and no more late-night phone calls asking, “What happened?”

Want better reports and happier clients? Schedule a demo of Riilay today.

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