How long should a video be recorded to ensure complete coverage of an incident?

Recording a video for incident documentation should generally span a minimum duration to ensure comprehensive coverage. Opting for at least 2 minutes allows for capturing crucial details, such as the scene's initial conditions, the response actions taken, and any relevant interactions with individuals present. This duration helps to present a complete narrative of the incident, establishing context and accuracy in the documentation process.

While shorter recording times like 30 seconds or 1 minute may capture some key elements, they might omit significant details that can be essential for analysis, report writing, or future training. Additionally, recording "only as long as necessary" can lead to inconsistencies in documentation practices, as the definition of "necessary" may vary from person to person, potentially jeopardizing the thoroughness required for a complete understanding of the incident. Ensuring a standardized minimum recording time allows for consistency and reliability in documentation across different incidents and responders.