5 Questions Before You Call the Sergeant

When you call the sergeant, the next decision should be easier to understand. The FLS 5 Questions Before You Call the Sergeant tool helps you organize a routine problem before you elevate it.

Five questions that prepare the decision

The first page of this two-page fillable PDF asks you to work through the problem in order:

1. What exactly happened? Record the facts and current status.
2. What standard applies? Identify the relevant policy, post order, or expectation.
3. What have I already done? Explain the immediate action and its result.
4. What decision is needed? Be specific about approval, resources, notification, or direction.
5. What do I recommend? State a workable option and the reason behind it.

Give a concise briefing

The second page organizes the call into situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. Include the background that changes the decision. Explain the risk and the exact action or approval you need.

After the call, record who you contacted, the direction received, the action taken, and any notification or handoff still required. Repeat back the direction when needed so both people leave with the same understanding.

Safety comes first

If delay creates a safety, security, legal, medical, or other time-critical risk, call immediately. Use the worksheet when there is time to think, and follow your agency's notification requirements.

Pair it with Supervisor Shift Notes to retain the follow-up. It is also part of the New Supervisor Starter Pack.