In a security incident report, the distinction between 'factual' and 'subjective' statements means:

Explanation

Reports should be built on observable, verifiable facts: what the guard saw, heard, smelled, felt, did, and was told (and by whom). Subjective characterizations ('aggressive,' 'suspicious,' 'intoxicated') are opinions that should be supported by underlying facts ('slurred speech, swayed when standing, smelled of alcoholic beverage from a distance of two feet'). Subjective statements aren't always wrong (d), but unsupported conclusions weaken credibility and provide cross-examination targets. Tense (a) and length (b) are not the relevant distinction. Strong reports separate observation from inference and document the factual basis for any characterization.