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Evidence Log Template

A structured template for logging incidents safely and consistently.

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How to Use This Template

This template is for tracking and organizing information about specific incidents in a clear, neutral way.

You can copy this structure into a notebook, document, or secure app and repeat it for each incident.

Focus on observable facts. Avoid opinions, labels, or interpretations.

People Involved: (names and roles, e.g., partner, neighbor)
Sequence of Events:
- Step-by-step timeline (e.g., “At around 8:15 p.m., X said …”)
- Include exact words or messages if you remember them clearly
Words Used: (exact phrases or quotes, in quotation marks, if possible)
Actions Taken: (describe what each person did, in order)
Objects Involved: (phone, door, vehicle, furniture, etc.)
Impact on You: (e.g., “could not sleep,” “missed work,” “needed to leave the home”)
Children Present: (yes/no; if yes, list names/ages and what they may have seen or heard)

Include anyone who directly saw, heard, or received information about the incident.

Witness 1:
- Name:
- Contact information (if available):
- How they are connected to you:
- What they saw or heard:
- How they learned about the incident (in person, call, text, etc.):
Witness 2:
- Name:
- Contact information (if available):
- How they are connected to you:
- What they saw or heard:
- How they learned about the incident (in person, call, text, etc.):
Additional Witnesses: (repeat as needed)

Use this section to list and label any related digital or physical items.

Digital Evidence List:
- Screenshot 1:
  - File name:
  - Type (text, social media, email, call log, etc.):
  - Date/time captured:
  - Where it is stored (folder/app/device):
- Screenshot 2:
  - File name:
  - Type:
  - Date/time captured:
  - Where it is stored:
- Audio or Video File:
  - File name:
  - Length:
  - Date/time recorded:
  - Where it is stored:
- Other Digital Items:
  - Type (e.g., voicemail, chat export, document):
  - File name:
  - Date/time:
  - Storage location:
Physical Evidence List:
- Item 1:
  - Description (e.g., “printed text messages,” “damaged object”):
  - Where it is stored:
  - Date you stored it:
- Item 2:
  - Description:
  - Where it is stored:
  - Date you stored it:
- Additional Items: (repeat as needed)

People You Informed:
- Person/agency name:
- Date/time told:
- How you informed them (text, email, in person, phone):
Reports Made:
- Organization or office:
- Report number or confirmation (if any):
- Date/time of report:
Notes on Any Advice or Instructions You Received:

Decide where this log will be stored:
- Paper (e.g., notebook, binder kept off-site)
- Digital (e.g., password-protected file, secure notes app, cloud storage)
Consider:
- Who can see or access the device or location where this log is stored
- Whether to use a neutral file name or notebook cover
- Whether to keep a backup copy in a separate secure place
- Whether shared devices, accounts, or clouds might be monitored
Record storage details:
- Primary storage location for this log:
- Backup storage location (if any):
- Date last checked that files or papers are still accessible:

For additional tools on documenting and organizing incidents, some people also review information provided through resources listed at DV.Support.

You can place this box at the top of each incident entry for fast reference.

Incident Number:
Date/Time:
Location:
Main People Involved:
Type of Incident (short label): (e.g., “threatening messages,” “property damage,” “verbal argument”)
Evidence Attached: (yes/no; list key items)